New York State of Opportunity

Investigative Officer & Investigative Specialist

Written Test To Be Held
April 22, 2023
You may be assigned to either Saturday or Sunday to take your test.
You cannot request or change your scheduled day.
Applications Must Be Submitted or Postmarked By
February 22, 2023

 

Exams Included on This Announcement
Exam Number Exam Title Salary Salary Grade Non−Refundable Processing Fee (Waivers available)
26-936010 Investigative Officer 1 $54,903 SG-16 $35
26-937 Investigative Officer 1 (VLP) $54,903 SG-16
26-948 Investigative Specialist 1 $61,270 SG-18
26-949 Investigative Specialist 1 (Spanish Language) $61,270 SG-18
26-950 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) $61,270 SG-18
26-951 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) (Various Language Parenthet) $61,270 SG-18
26-952 Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis) $61,270 SG-18
26-953 Investigative Specialist 1 (Law) $61,270 SG-18
26-954 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) $61,270 SG-18
26-955 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) (VLP) $61,270 SG-18
26-956 Investigative Specialist 1 (Narcotics) $61,270 SG-18

You must review important information on the New York State Department of Civil Service COVID-19 policy that applies to all candidates sitting for in-person Civil Service examinations being administered at a New York State test center. You can access our full policy on the Department of Civil Service website.

Due to current testing space limitations, candidates may need to travel to a test site to take this examination. Candidates will be notified of their test site location on their admission notice.

Appointees who work in the five boroughs of New York City or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Westchester Counties will receive an additional $3,026 annual downstate adjustment. Appointees who work in Dutchess, Orange, or Putnam Counties will receive an additional $1,513 annual mid-Hudson adjustment.

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Minimum Qualifications

On or before April 22, 2023, you must have:

For Exam Nos. 26-936010 and 26-937:

Either 1. five years of qualifying experience;*

Or 2. an associate's degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security AND three years of qualifying experience;*

Or 3. a bachelor's or higher degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security AND one year of qualifying experience.*

For Exam Nos. 26-948 through 26-956:

Either 1. six years of qualifying experience;*

Or 2. an associate's degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security AND four years of qualifying experience;*

Or 3. a bachelor's or higher degree in criminal justice, cyber security, law enforcement, police science, criminal justice administration, criminology, criminal investigation, police studies, public justice, forensic accounting, forensic psychology, forensic science, economic crime management, or homeland security AND two years of qualifying experience.*

*Qualifying experience: For the purposes of this examination, experience in a field investigative position conducting interviews of witnesses and others, taking written statements and affidavits, collecting and analyzing physical and documentary evidence, and preparing detailed written reports of investigative findings.

Types of Investigative experience that could be considered qualifying: Experience in such positions as police detective, insurance investigator, licensed and registered private investigator, federal investigator, state investigator, municipal investigator, child protective services investigator, in an investigative position involving trial preparations and detailed reports, or investigations within a branch of the Armed Services are examples which meet the Minimum Qualifications.

Examples of non-qualifying experience include but are not limited to: Experience in routine police patrol work, security guard or related security position, tax collector, collector of delinquent accounts, credit checker, legal assistant/attorney, hotel or store detective, loss prevention officer, parole officer, correction officer, guard, inspector, or experience in adoption and/or foster care placement.

  1. If you expect to meet the educational requirements by September 30, 2023, you can take the written test. You MUST submit proof of successful completion of the educational requirements to the appointing authority at the time of the employment interview or you will not be considered for appointment. Failure to meet the educational requirements by September 30, 2023, may result in your removal from the eligible list.
  2. Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education. If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm.
  3. If verifiable, we will accept and prorate appropriate part-time and volunteer experience.
  4. New York State residency is not required to participate in these exams.

Additional Requirements for Appointment:

  1. Age Requirement: For Exam Nos. 26-950 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) and 26-951 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies): To comply with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Regulations, you must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
  2. Background Investigation: Due to the nature of these positions, there may be an investigative screening which could include a thorough character investigation. All convictions must be reported. Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor or any falsified or omitted information may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case is determined on its own merit, consistent with the applicable provisions of state and federal laws.
  3. Drug Testing: Prior to appointment, you will be required to participate in a drug-screening test and may be responsible for payment of the clinical lab fee. Failure to meet the standards may result in your disqualification. For Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis), Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle), Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), and Investigative Specialist 1 (Narcotics), cannabis use is not permitted for employees in these titles; cannabis use will be tested for during the pre-employment screening process and may be the basis for disqualification for employment or may be a basis for removal from employment. A complete statement of drug testing for this title is available at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/ehs/forms.cfm.
  4. Fingerprints and Fees: You may be required to get fingerprinted at the time of appointment. You may be responsible for payment of the processing fee.
  5. Firearms: For Exam Nos. 26-952 Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis), 26-954 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle), 26-955 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), and 26-956 Investigative Specialist 1 (Narcotics): Appointees will be required to obtain and maintain a New York City firearm permit, which requires an extensive background check from New York City in order to carry a firearm in the performance of their duties. You must successfully complete an assigned firearms training and annual re-qualification and display continued proficiency. Denial, suspension or loss of a New York City firearm permit may result in removal from employment in this position.
  6. Language Proficiency: If you pass the examination and apply to a title which requires language proficiency, you must demonstrate your language proficiency at a level that will ensure your ability to perform the duties of the position properly. The proficiency test will only be given to enough candidates to fill current vacancies.
  7. Peace Officer Status: For Exam Nos. 26-950 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control), 26-951 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), 26-952 Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis), 26-954 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle), 26-955 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), and 26-956 Investigative Specialist 1 (Narcotics): Peace officers must be qualified to hold such office in accordance with state law. To do so, they must attend New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services sanctioned peace officer training. Employment is dependent on continuous certification as a peace officer.
  8. Physical/Medical: For Exam Nos. 26-950 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control), 26-951 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), 26-952 Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis), 26-953 Investigative Specialist 1 (Law), 26-954 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle), 26-955 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), 26-956 Investigative Specialist 1 (Narcotics): An evaluation of your physical and medical condition will be done to ensure that you are able to perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. The physical/medical standards include but are not limited to height and weight, speech, vision, hearing, cardiovascular, respiratory system, and neurological health requirements. A complete statement of the physical and medical standards is available at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/ehs/forms.cfm. A medical examination is required prior to appointment and you are responsible for payment of the clinical laboratory test fee.
  9. Psychological Evaluation: You may have to participate in a psychological evaluation to determine your fitness to perform the essential duties of the position prior to appointment.
  10. United State Citizenship and New York State Residency: For Exam Nos. 26-950 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control), 26-951 Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), 26-952 Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis), 26-954 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle), 26-955 Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), and 26-956 Investigative Specialist 1 (Narcotics): Although not required for taking the test, you must be a citizen of the United States at the time of appointment. If appointed, you must also possess and maintain New York State residency pursuant to the Public Officers Law.

The Positions: Investigative Officer 1 exists in the Department of Labor, and Workers' Compensation Board statewide. Investigative Specialist 1 exists in the Department of Health and Office of the Medicaid Inspector General statewide. Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) exists in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board statewide. Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) exists in the Department of Motor Vehicles statewide. Investigative Specialist 1 (Law) exists in the Office of the Attorney General statewide. Investigative Specialist 1 (Narcotics) exists in the Department of Health statewide. Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis) exists in the Office of Cannabis Management statewide.

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Duties

As an Investigative Officer 1 or Investigative Officer 1 (Various Language Proficiencies), you would independently undertake investigations requiring the knowledge and interpretation of a substantial variety or body of laws, rules or regulations, organized criminal activity, or fraud to determine and ensure compliance and secure information to take civil and/or criminal action. You may also participate in joint agency operations; assist law enforcement in all aspects of an investigation involving multiple entities and violations, provide technical assistance and training and make arrests. In addition to investigative duties, you would issue permits and certificates, and serve revocations, cancellations, suspensions and stop work orders. You may also recommend penalties, collect damages and negotiate settlements.

As an Investigative Specialist 1 or Investigative Specialist 1 (Spanish Language), you would independently undertake investigations requiring extensive knowledge of a wide and varied body of laws, rules or regulations, organized criminal activity, or fraud requiring specialized knowledge and skill; or the legal, educational and medical professions licensed by New York State. You would use a variety of investigative techniques to obtain information and evidence and prepare written reports of your findings. You may represent the agency on joint operations with various federal, State, county and municipal law enforcement agencies, sometimes as a team leader. You may also make arrests.

As an Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) or Investigative Specialist 1 (Beverage Control) (Various Language Proficiencies), you would independently undertake investigations related to the administration and enforcement of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, rules and regulations governing establishments licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board/State Liquor Authority.

As an Investigative Specialist 1 (Cannabis), you would independently undertake investigations related to the administration and enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing cannabis operations, including but not limited to cultivation, processing, distribution, and sales in accordance with Cannabis Law.

As an Investigative Specialist 1 (Law), you would perform investigations necessary to support the State's position in various types of legal actions concerning the laws, rules and regulations of State agencies.

As an Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) or Investigative Specialist 1 (Motor Vehicle) (Various Language Proficiencies), you would independently undertake investigations related to the administration and enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing motor vehicle sales, registration, licensing, and disposal, utilizing facial recognition technology and forensic vehicle examinations.

As an Investigative Specialist 1 (Narcotics), you would perform investigations relating to the trafficking of controlled substances according to the rules and protocols established by the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.

Notes:

  1. One $35 non-refundable processing fee is required per application submission. You must select the individual examination(s) you are interested in during the application process. For example, you may apply for all eight examinations listed and pay one $35 fee if processed during one online transaction. If you submit one online application for less than all of the examinations listed, and subsequently apply for additional examinations in this series, another $35 non-refundable processing fee will be required.
  2. Travel Requirements: Appointment to certain positions requires extensive travel within an area of assignment. Appointees may need to operate a motor vehicle or have other means to meet the transportation needs of the job. If the position requires that you operate a motor vehicle, you must continuously have a valid New York State driver's license to continue employment; suspension or loss of a valid New York State driver's license may result in removal from employment. Field work and travel expenses are reimbursed on a fixed schedule. Overnight travel may be required.
  3. If you submit an application for an examination with a language parenthetic, an application will automatically be submitted for you for the non-language examination at no additional cost.
  4. If other language parenthetics are established, the list will also be used to fill those positions and appointees must demonstrate their language proficiency prior to appointment.
  5. A transition examination is also being held for these positions.
  6. Although transition examinations are being held, it is expected that appointments will be made as the result of these examinations open to the public.
  7. Agencies have the option of making appointments from either the list resulting from this examination open to the public or the list resulting from the transition examination. If you meet the requirements for both examinations, you may wish to file for both. The processing fee must be paid for this examination unless you are eligible for a fee waiver.

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Subject of Examination

To be considered for appointment to this title, you must pass the written test. The written test evaluates your knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in the following areas:

  1. Preparing written material - These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.
  2. Evaluating information and evidence - These questions test the candidates' abilities to evaluate and draw conclusions from information and evidence. Each question consists of a set of facts and a conclusion based on the facts. The candidate must decide if a conclusion is warranted by the facts.
  3. Understanding and interpreting written material - These questions test for the ability to understand and interpret written material. You will be presented with brief reading passages and will be asked questions about the passages. You should base your answers to the questions only on what is presented in the passages and not on what you may happen to know about the topic.
  4. Investigative techniques - These questions test for knowledge of the fundamental concepts in the area of field investigation. The questions cover such areas as: obtaining the cooperation of individuals involved in an investigation, preparing for the investigation and/or interview, investigative principles, interviewing principles and practices, behavior and attitudes of the investigator and others, gathering of data and evidence, and presenting the results of an investigation. Many of the questions are situational in nature and attempt to measure the candidate's ability to apply basic investigative techniques. The questions are generic rather than dealing with investigations in a particular field.

Test Guide: A Guide to the Written Test for the Investigator Series is available on the Department website at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.

Your final score must be 70 or higher in order to pass. Your final score on the eligible list will be determined after adding any wartime Veterans' and Civil Service Law Section 85-a credits.

Note: The Department of Civil Service may administer tests either online or with paper booklets and answer sheets.

Admission To The Test: If approved for a written test, you will receive an admission notice which will indicate your assigned test date and the way your test will be administered. Your test may be administered with paper and pencil or online at a state test site using a state-provided Chromebook. You cannot request to change your scheduled day or request a specific type of test administration.

Applicants are required to have a Personal NY.gov account and keep their email address up to date. The Department of Civil Service and other state agencies will communicate with you through email correspondence. This may include the notification of your test arrangements, examination results, and canvassing you for interest in appointment. It will be important for you to keep your email address, phone number, and mailing address current by logging into https://www.cs.ny.gov/home/myaccount.

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How To Apply

This announcement is for viewing purposes only.

There are two steps that must be completed in order to apply for this exam. This examination uses a "Dashboard" to serve as a navigation tool to guide you.


Important: Unless waived, you must pay the non-refundable processing fee. For information on fee waivers, visit https://www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/types/oc/appinfo.cfm##Fee. Any past due application processing fees must be paid in full prior to submitting an application. Please email FeeUnitMail@cs.ny.gov regarding inquiries about any past due fee. It is important that you verify that you entered the correct examination number and title on your online or paper application prior to submitting. If you apply online, you should immediately review your email confirmation notice to verify that you applied for the correct examination.

Additional Information

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the State of New York to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest and/or criminal conviction record, or any other category protected by law, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

Appointment to many positions in State government require candidates to undergo an investigative screening. This may include a thorough character investigation, a Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Record History Check, a Child Abuse Registry clearance, or other similar procedures. Candidates may be fingerprinted and may be required to pay any necessary fees for that procedure. Depending on the nature of the job, the criminal convictions discovered, or any falsified or omitted information revealed, the investigative findings may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment.

Eligibility for Employment

You must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment and throughout your employment with New York State. If appointed, you must produce documents that establish your identity and eligibility to work in the United States, as required by the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Religious Accommodation

Most written tests are held on Saturdays. If you cannot take the test on the announced test date, due to a conflict with a religious observance or practice, check the box under “Religious Accommodation.” We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date (usually the following day).

Reasonable Accommodations in Testing

It is the policy of the Department of Civil Service, in accordance with the New York State Human Rights Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide qualified persons with disabilities equal employment opportunity and equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of the Department. It is the policy of the Department to provide such persons reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary to provide equal opportunity. Persons with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in an examination must note this on their application. Further information is available from the Test Administration Unit of the Department of Civil Service. In the Albany area, call 518-457-2487. Outside of the Albany area, call toll free at 1-877-697-5627. For TDD services, call NY Relay at 711 (requires a fee) or 1-800-662-1220.

Admission to Examination

Notice to appear for the test may be conditional as review of applications may not be made until after the test. If you have not received your notice to appear for the written test three days before the date of the test, email us at AdmissionNotices@cs.ny.gov. Please provide your first and last name, address, and the last four digits of your social security number, and we will provide you with the information you need to attend your written test. If you have an issue other than not receiving your admission notice, please contact our office at (518) 474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627. Please leave a clear concise message and provide your first and last name, last four digits of your social security number and a daytime phone number.

Taking State and Local Examinations Scheduled for the Same Day

If you have applied to take a written test announced by either one or several local jurisdictions (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same test date as this written test, you must notify each of the local jurisdictions no later than two weeks before the test date to make arrangements for taking all tests at one test site. All tests will be held at the state examination center. For your convenience, contact information for all local civil service agencies is available on our website at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/local.cfm.

Cell Phones or Electronic/Communication Devices at the Test Site

The use of cell phones, beepers, headphones, or any electronic or other communication devices at your personal testing site or in the test room, hallways, restrooms, building, grounds, or other areas, except as expressly authorized by the Department of Civil Service, could result in your disqualification.

S3/TC1 DAA-klr
Issued: 1/20/23

This announcement is subject to amendment or cancellation without notice. Do not copy it, or post it to any other site, but link to it instead.

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