Los Angeles County
Chief Executive Office
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Class Specification: CIVILIAN INVESTIGATOR, SHERIFF
ITEM NUMBER: 1641
APPROVAL DATE: 11/03/2005
DEFINITION:
Conducts investigations and issues citations and reports on violations of County, City, State, Municipal,
Business and Professional, Financial and Penal Code regulations for the Sheriff's Department.
CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
Positions allocable to this class are non-sworn and are assigned to a unit of the Sheriff's Department such
as the Major Crimes Bureau Vice Unit (Business Licensing) or Casino Operations (Investigations).
Positions allocable to the class of Civilian Investigator, Sheriff typically work under the technical and
administrative direction of sworn personnel and are responsible for investigating criminal violations of
laws and regulations, preparing requests for criminal complaints, and assisting in the prosecution of
cases. Incumbents must possess skill in applying a thorough knowledge of investigative procedures,
court and legal proceedings, and techniques for interviewing and obtaining information from various
sources, both public and private. Incumbents must have the ability to drive an automobile on a regular
and frequent basis during the course of conducting investigations. Some positions allocable to this class
may be responsible for conducting civilian background investigations.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Makes investigations to detect or verify suspected violations of laws, rules or regulations and issues
citations when circumstances and conditions warrant such action.
Examines a variety of records including criminal records, criminal sponsorships or connections,
Department of Motor Vehicles records, and government records to secure or verify information
concerning suspected violations or violators.
Contacts and interviews individuals and representatives of business or governmental agencies.
Conducts routine checks of businesses, pawnshops, secondhand dealers, swap meets and gun dealers for
license or permit misuse and other violations.
Gathers, assembles, preserves and reports facts, statements or affidavits and other evidence for use in
legal action.
Analyses investigative findings to determine whether evidence warrants filing a criminal complaint;
prepares investigation reports and assists attorneys assigned to cases in criminal prosecutions.
Maintains liaison with Federal, State and local boards and commissions and law enforcement agencies.
Testifies in court or administrative proceedings as investigator and makes subsequent investigations as
requested by the prosecuting attorney.