Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents are hired as vacancies arise. New agents have extensive law enforcement backgrounds, preferably with previous investigative experience involving a variety of crimes.

Open DCI Agent Positions:

• Glendive Narcotics Criminal Investigator
• Miles City Narcotics Criminal Investigator

(See individual job listings for application instructions and specific qualifications)

Education and Experience

The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are typically acquired through one of the following combinations of education and experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a Police Science-related field. Five years of law enforcement experience with a minimum of two years as a full-time investigator handling a variety of felony investigations comparable to those a DCI Agent is expected to handle.

or

Two years of college, preferably in a police science-related field. Six years of law enforcement experience with a minimum of four years as a full-time investigator handling a variety of felony investigations comparable to those a DCI Agent is expected to handle.

or

High school diploma or GED. Eight years of law enforcement experience with a minimum of four years as a full-time investigator handling a variety of felony investigations comparable to those a DCI Agent is expected to handle.

and

Law enforcement training including the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) Basic course or its equivalent; must be currently Public Safety Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified; possession of a valid Montana motor vehicle operator’s license; and proof the applicant has met the MLEA law enforcement physical standards within at least the last six months and a pre-employment medical examination as provided by the department.

Desired: Additional law enforcement training, including homicide investigation, narcotics investigation, surveillance equipment, computers, crime-scene processing, accounting, financial investigations and first-line supervision.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

Extensive knowledge of methods and procedures used to conduct covert/undercover investigations; all types of equipment necessary to conduct covert/undercover investigations; the effects and appearance of a myriad of illicit dangerous drugs that have been determined to be controlled substances; and general criminal investigative procedures. Thorough knowledge of Montana Code Annotated (MCA) dealing with rules of evidence (MCA, Title 26, Chapter 10, “Montana Rules of Evidence”); MCA dealing with seizures and forfeitures related to controlled substances (MCA, Title 44, Chapter 12, “Seizures Related to Controlled Substances”); MCA dealing with criminal justice information and privacy/security regulations (MCA, Title 44, Chapter 5, “Criminal Justice Information”); MCA dealing with crimes (MCA, Title 45, “Crimes”); and MCA dealing with criminal procedure (MCA, Title 46, “Criminal Procedure”). Considerable knowledge in handling/controlling/ accounting for significant amounts of money (“buy money” and “flash rolls”); applicable Federal criminal code; and identification and effect of other drugs not listed as controlled substances. Working knowledge concerning developing, conducting and presenting complex, long-term, conspiracy-type cases.

Skills

Skill in the use of a personal computer and associated software and in the use of various law enforcement-related equipment used in investigations.

Abilities

Ability to remain calm in very highly stressful/dangerous situations; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; to establish working relations with other staff and criminal justice agencies; to make correct/legal/appropriate decisions in highly stressful/dangerous situations; to physically detain suspects, use firearms or otherwise use necessary force to effect arrests and protect the public; and to be confined or in cramped conditions resulting from long-term surveillance.

Ability to write technically accurate and readable reports; to work independently by planning and scheduling own work to accomplish Bureau goals and objectives; to plan and conduct educational programs; to be flexible to respond as needed while working with a wide variety of policies and jurisdictions; to initiate investigations; to operate in an undercover capacity; to develop and maintain informants; and be creative and adept at adopting necessary role to complete an investigative assignment.