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.
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.