Investigator (Discipline)

Job Description

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts. The DOC seeks experienced Investigators for the PREA team, tasked with enforcing the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA, Public Law 108-79). This federal mandate establishes standards to detect, prevent, reduce, and respond to prison rape in all U.S. correctional facilities. Under the direction of a Supervisor Investigator and with latitude for independent judgment, the Investigators will conduct complex and sensitive inquiries into allegations of sexual abuse and harassment involving people in custody, staff, volunteers, and contractors, ensuring compliance with PREA standards and DOC directives. Key Responsibilities • Conduct independent, confidential investigations into reported or alleged sexual abuse and harassment incidents. • Assist the Supervisory Investigator with case development, strategy, and ensuring investigative compliance with policy and timelines. • Liaise with the NYC Department of Investigation, NYPD, district attorneys’ offices on assigned cases. • Prepare, review, and evaluate reports, studies, and recommendations; take administrative action; and make formal recommendations. • Collaborate with federal, state, and local investigative and law enforcement agencies; testify at hearings and court proceedings. • Conduct compelling staff hearings and MEO-16 procedures. • Apply comprehensive knowledge of DOC policies, rules, regulations, disciplinary procedures, and the criminal justice system.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in one or more of the fields of accounting, auditing, correction administration, criminal justice administration and planning, forensic science, inspection, investigation, law enforcement, personnel administration, police science, and security, or in a major operational area of the agency in which the appointment is to be made; or 2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or 3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in interviewing witnesses, victims, and subjects; collective and preserving evidence; and documenting findings clearly and accurately. • Familiarity with federal PREA standards. • Strong skills in analyzing facts, identifying patterns, and assessing credibility to make sound investigative recommendations. • Ability to produce detailed, concise, and well-organized investigative reports suitable for administrative or legal proceedings. • Experience working with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and/or oversight bodies. • Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information discreetly and maintain professional ethics. • Clear verbal communication for interviews, presentations, and liaison work with diverse stakeholders. • Strong computer skills required. • Investigators must possess a valid NYS driver’s license

Additional Information

The City of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance for the employee and his/her spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26, union benefits such as dental and vision coverage, paid annual leave and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account.