NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CLOSURE
Effective May 14, 2009, the California Department of Justice is temporarily closing filing for this examination. If you submitted your name and address for this examination prior to the temporary closure, that information will remain on our mailing list and you will be notified when the examination is re-opened.

An equal opportunity employer to all regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, or sexual orientation.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications by the written test date and have not taken the Special Agent, DOJ examination within the last 12 months may apply for this examination.

FILING TEMPORARILY CLOSED


Examination applications (Form STD 678) may be downloaded from the State Personnel Board’s website at www.spb.ca.gov.  Applications must be mailed to or filed in person with:

            Mailing Address:                                       File in Person:

            Department of Justice                                  Department of Justice

            Testing and Selection Unit                           Testing and Selection Unit

            P.O. Box 944255                                         1300 “I” Street, 1st Floor Lobby

            Sacramento, CA  94244-2550                      Sacramento, CA  95814

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in this examination, please mark the box in question #2 on the "Examination Application". You will be notified in writing to determine what assistance can be provided.

Names of successful competitors are merged onto the existing eligible list in order of final scores, regardless of the test date. The names will remain on the eligible list for a period of 18 months.  The resulting eligible list will be used to fill vacancies at the Department of Justice.

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements for this examination by the written test date. All Applications/resumes must include "To" and "From" employment dates (month/Day/Year), time base, and applicable classification titles. Applications/resumes received without this information will be rejected.

AGE REQUIREMENT:
Minimum age at appointment is 18 years.

CITIZEN REQUIREMENT:

Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031 (a), in order to be a peace officer, a person must be either a U.S. citizen or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship, except for members of the California Highway Patrol who must be U. S. citizens.  Permanent resident aliens who have not applied for citizenship will be permitted to take an examination, but cannot be appointed to a peace officer class until they have applied for citizenship.  Denial of an application for citizenship shall result in termination of employment.  In addition, failure to attain citizenship within three years after filing an employment application because the applicant has not cooperated in processing the application for citizenship shall result in termination of employment.

FELONY DISQUALIFICATION:
Pursuant   to   Government Code   Section 1029, persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers except as provided under Welfare and Institutions Code, Division 2, Chapter 3, Article 8, Section 1179(b), or Division 2.5, Chapter 1, Article 4, Section 1772 (b).  Except as provided for by these statutes, persons convicted of a felony are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION INFORMATION:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons successful in peace officer examinations shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. Persons who have previously undergone a Department of Justice background investigation may be required to undergo an additional background investigation.

Information collected for the background investigation after the examination will require you to divulge arrest and/or conviction information on the background investigation you furnish will be used to help determine your suitability for employment with the Department of Justice.

Under Section 432.7(e) of the Labor Code, persons seeking employment with the Department of Justice may be asked to disclose arrest or detention information regardless of whether or not the arrest or detention resulted in conviction, referral, or participation in diversion programs.

Department of Justice Regulations require, as a minimum, pre-employment investigations consisting of fingerprinting, inquiry to local, State, and national files to disclose criminal records, verification of minimum qualifications (i.e., college transcripts), financial status, previous employment background, and personal interviews to determine applicant's suitability for employment.

Any applicant for a State civil service examination for a peace officer class who discloses, or whose background investigation reveals, use of a drug for which possession would constitute a felony offense under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Health and Safety Code, division 10, beginning at 11000) subsequent to his or her eighteenth birthday and prior to his or her twenty‑third birthday, shall be disqualified from the examination in which he or she is competing until 5 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use of the drug; and shall not be eligible to take any State civil service examination for a peace officer class until 5 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use.  If any such disclosed or revealed use occurred on or after the applicant’s twenty‑third birthday, he or she shall be disqualified from the examination in which he or she is competing until 10 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use of the drug; and shall not be eligible to take any State civil service examination for a peace officer class until 10 years have elapsed from the date of the disclosed or revealed use.  The disqualification period shall begin on the date that the drug was used, and not on the date that the drug use was disclosed or revealed.

EITHER I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of the class of Special Agent Trainee, Department of Justice. (Applicants who have completed six months performing the duties of a Special Agent Trainee, Department of Justice, will be admitted to the examination, but they must satisfactorily complete one year of experience in the class of Special Agent Trainee, Department of Justice, before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)

OR II

Experience:  Two years of experience as a peace officer (as defined in Sections 830.1, 830.2, or 830.3 of the California Penal Code or equivalent Federal and out-of-State law enforcement) in an investigative assignment performing civil, criminal, or narcotics law enforcement work.  (Patrol experience may be substituted for the required investigative experience on the basis of one year of patrol experience being equivalent to six months of investigative experience.)  And

Education:  Equivalent to completion of two years of college (60 semester units).  (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.)

OR III

Experience:  One year of experience as a peace officer (as defined in Sections 830.1, 830.2, or 830.3 of the California Penal Code or equivalent Federal and out-of-State law enforcement) in an investigative assignment performing civil, criminal, or narcotics law enforcement work.  (Patrol experience may be substituted for the required investigative experience on the basis of one year of patrol experience being equivalent to six months of investigative experience.)  

                                                                             AND

Education:  Equivalent to graduation from college.

Special Agents investigate illegal drug activity, complex money laundering operations, and work undercover to infiltrate underground criminal organizations.  Special Agents are committed to providing a stateside presence with the suppression of violent gangs through traditional and non-traditional law enforcement strategies.  Special Agents assigned to California's Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) lead teams of local, state, and federal officers to locate and destroy marijuana gardens in remote sites throughout the state.  Agents may be assigned and responsible for finding and dismantling clandestine drug labs that manufacture methamphetamine as well as other illegal substances.  Special Agents assigned to the aviation program coordinate department aviation resources in support of field investigations, and fly department operated aircraft. 

Special Agents perform investigations for the Attorney General's legal Divisions, assist district attorneys and local law enforcement in complex multi-jurisdictional investigations and conduct special investigations as directed by the Attorney General in response to the Governor, the Legislature or other state agencies.  Additionally, Special Agents conduct investigations involving political corruption and public rights violations, large-scale consumer fraud, homicides, investigate high technology computer crimes, conduct polygraph examinations, apprehend violent career criminals and sexually violent predators, and respond to international child abductions and fugitive apprehension.

Special Agents collect timely information regarding organized crime, gang, and terrorist activity that is occurring throughout California and provide that information to federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities to further their investigation and prosecution of suspects involved in criminal enterprizes.  Additionally, agents have an opportunity to be assigned to state and federal task forces.  These task forces conduct extensive investigations. Agents also utilize their expertise in criminal intelligence to train local law enforcement authorities.

Special Agents work as a team with a Deputy Attorney General from case inception to case prosecution.  Agents investigate criminal fraud committed against the state medical assistance program, physical and sexual abuse of elder and dependant adults, neglect by facility staff as well as corporations, and the diversion of legal pharmaceuticals for illegal purposes.

Special Agents are mandated to investigate persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of their felony/misdemeanor convictions, mental health status, and issuance of a restraining/protective order.  The California Armed Prohibited Persons Program is the primary focus of the enforcement section and is responsible for disarming, apprehending, and ensuring prosecution of persons.  Special Agents also work undercover to investigate crimes involving illegal firearms trafficking, testify as court recognized experts, conduct dangerous weapons permit investigations, inspect firearms dealers, and provide firearms expertise.

Special Agents investigate suspected violations of gambling laws; conduct extensive background

investigations on individuals applying for state gambling licenses; plan and coordinate multi-agency investigations; inspect premises where gambling equipment is manufactured, distributed or sold; and are responsible for monitoring the conduct of individuals involved in gambling operations to ensure that gambling is conducted honestly and free of criminal and corruptive elements.

The exam will consist of a multiple-choice test and a written essay test.

The multiple choice test will measure the following:

Intelligence/ Information gathering
Documenting and report writing
Interview and Interrogation
Reading sources of information
Managing the crime scene
Identification and handling of evidence
Public Relations
Administrative activities
Search and arrest warrants and court orders

Multiple Choice Test - Weighted 60%

The written essay test will measure the following:

Skill to communicate effectively in writing in a courteous, professional manner with a variety of individuals, taking into the consideration the needs of the audience.

Critical thinking skills and the ability to carefully and completely develop thoughts and ideas so the reader can understand the intended message.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Written Essay Test - Weighted 40%

To obtain a position on the eligible list, applicants must receive a minimum rating of 70% on each part of the examination.

Knowledge of:  All of the above, and major investigative operational plans; interview, interrogation, information, and intelligence gathering processes and procedures; proper tactics and use of force in affecting arrests of suspects, felony car stops, and entry in fortified buildings; proper techniques to plan and coordinate multi-suspect/multi-dwelling enforcement actions; sophisticated investigative techniques including use of wiretaps, pin registers, traps, tracking devices, subpoenas, and complex search warrants; peace officer training techniques and methods; applicable Department policies and procedures; the interrelationship of other law enforcement agencies with the Department of Justice; techniques for securing, preserving, and handling evidence; techniques used to prevent diversion of licit drugs to illicit channels; undercover operations using paid and unpaid operators; use of relational database software to analyze and evaluate fiscal data from various sources and to analyze seized computerized data; the role and availability of forensic support services in the investigative process; contemporary computer technology and communications systems used in the investigative process; use of computers to prepare search warrants, affidavits, and reports in field locations; use of computers to maintain administrative time reports, reports of investigation, and case and file management systems.

Ability to:  All of the above, and identify controlled substances; gather, analyze, and present facts and evidence; utilize various software programs to analyze computerized data from various State and Federal fiscal intermediaries and identify patterns of fraud; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; work undercover; participate actively in covert moving, stationary, and aerial surveillances, investigations, and interviews; file complaints and serve legal documents; conduct and coordinate multi-agency and/or complex investigations as a lead agent; plan and coordinate raid and operational actions as a case agent; coordinate with prosecutorial agencies and the court in the prosecution of suspects as the trial agent; photograph crime scenes; use and maintain communications and investigative equipment; appear as an expert witness; prepare and present well-organized, accurate court testimony; use proper techniques during tactical operations; provide technical assistance to and conduct training for other allied and public agencies and law enforcement personnel; develop and maintain sources of information.  

Veterans' Preference credits will not be granted in the examination as it does not meet the requirements to qualify for Veterans' Preference credit.

SPECIAL PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

No illegal involvement in controlled substances as an adult; willingness to work throughout the State and at unusual hours; ability to work under stress and adverse conditions; keenness of observation; good memory for names, faces, places, and incidents; willingness to associate with criminally inclined persons and environments in performance of duties; willingness to work undercover and participate in covert moving, stationary, and aerial surveillances; willingness to utilize a variety of weaponry, including shotguns, machine guns, tear gas, and distractionary devices; willingness to pursue violent repeat offenders and effect their arrest; willingness to operate a police vehicle under emergency circumstances; willingness to deal with toxic materials and chemicals; willingness to handle gruesome crime scenes involving persons of all ages; satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen; maintain good credit; possession of a valid driver license; willingness to use all appropriate means, including deadly force, to carry out peace officer duties; exercise good judgment; and demonstrate good work habits.

SPECIAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS  

Good health, sound physical condition, freedom from any physical, mental, or emotional condition or limitation that would interfere with the full performance of the essential duties of positions in these classes; effective use of both hands; strength, endurance, and agility; normal hearing; vision sufficient to perform the essential functions of the class; and weight proportionate to height.  

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS  

In addition to the above knowledge and abilities, possession of the appropriate certificates as evidence of increased competency at each level is desirable.  Also desirable is evidence of completed course work in the following subject areas:  introduction to criminal justice, introduction to criminal law, basic investigation, evidence, criminal procedure, and philosophy of law.

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST:

Pass/Fail - Physical performance test will be a test of strength, agility, balance and endurance.  Specific descriptions of each physical performance test will be provided to successful candidates prior to the Physical Agility Test.

Anyone who is restricted for employment-related purposes from accessing, possessing, carrying, receiving, or having under his/her control a firearm or ammunition under all applicable State or Federal laws is ineligible for appointment to any position in this classification.

Under provisions of Penal Code Section 832, successful completion of a training course in laws of arrest, search and seizure, and in firearms and chemical agents is a requirement for permanent status in this classification.

For an examination with a written feature, it is the candidate's responsibility to contact The Department of Justice three days prior to the written test date if he/she has not received his/her notice of appointment.

For an examination without a written feature, it is the candidate's responsibility to contact The Department of Justice three weeks after the finial filing date if he/she has not received his/her notice.

If a candidate's notice of oral interview or performance test fails to reach him/her 3 days prior to their scheduled appointment due to a verified postal error, he/she will be rescheduled upon written request.

Examination Locations: When a written test is part of the examination, it will be given in such places in California as the number of candidates and conditions warrant. However, locations of interviews or performance evaluations may be limited or extended as conditions warrant.

Applications are available at www.jobs.ca.gov, State Personnel Board offices, local offices of the Employment Development Department and the testing department on this job bulletin.

If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirement does not assure a place on the eligible list.  Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of the others who take this test, and all candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

The testing department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Candidates needing special testing arrangements due to a disability must mark the appropriate box on the application and/or contact the testing department.

General Qualifications: Candidates must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others; and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

If Promotional Examinations Only: Competition is limited to employees who have a permanent civil service appointment and military veterans that meet all the minimum qualifications.  Under certain circumstances, other employees may be allowed to compete under provisions of Rules 234, 235, and 235.2. State Personnel Board Rules 233, 234, 235, 235.2, and 237 contain provisions regarding civil service status and eligibility for promotional examinations. These rules may be reviewed at departmental personnel offices, at the State Personnel Board office or www.jobs.ca.gov .

If High School Equivalence is Required: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways:1) passing the General Educational Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the candidate is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school;  4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.  NOTE: For peace officer classifications please refer to the testing department for special requirements.

Veterans’ Preference Points: California Law (Government Code 18971-18978) allows the granting of Veterans’ Preference Points in Open entrance and Open, Non-Promotional entrance examinations. Veterans’ Preference Points will be added to the final score of all competitors who are successful in these types of examinations, and who qualify for and have requested these points by mail. In Open (only) entrance examinations, Veterans’ Preference Points are granted as follows: 10 points for veterans, widows, and widowers of veterans, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans; and 15 points for disabled veterans.  In Open, Non-Promotional entrance examinations, Veterans’ Preference Points are granted as follows: 5 points for veterans and 10 points for disabled veterans. Employees who have achieved permanent State civil service status are not eligible to receive Veterans’ Preference Points. Permanent State civil service status means the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This includes permanent intermittent, part-time, and full-time appointments. In addition, individuals who at any time achieved permanent State civil service status and subsequently resigned or were dismissed from State civil service are not eligible to receive Veterans’ Preference Points. Veteran status is verified by the State Personnel Board (SPB). Directions to apply for Veterans’ Preference Points are on the Veterans’ Preference Application (STD. Form 1093) which is available at www.spb.ca.gov or from the State Personnel Board, 801Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA  95814 and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits: In open, non promotional examinations, career credits are granted to: 1)State employees with permanent civil service status, 2) full-time employees of the state who are exempt from State civil service pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 of Article VII of the California Constitution, and who meet all qualification requirement specified by the Board and have 12 consecutive months of service in an exempt position, and 3) individuals who have served one full year in, or are graduates of, the California Conservation Corps (eligibility shall expire 24 moths after graduation from the California Conservation Corps). Three points are added to the final test score of those candidates who meet the above criteria, and who are successful in the examination. Such examinations cannot be for managerial positions described in Government Code Section 3513. Competitors not currently employed in state civil service who have mandatory reinstatement rights may also be eligible for career credits, buy they must explain their service status in the appropriate section of the application Form 100-678. (Section 4 of Article VII of the California Constitution is posted at the State Personnel Board, 801 Capitol Mall and Sacramento).

Felony Disqualification: You are disqualified from being employed as a peace officer if: (1) You have been convicted of a felony in California or any other state; (2) you have been convicted of any offense in any other state which would have been a felony if committed in California; (3) you have been charged with a felony and adjudged by a superior court to be mentally incompetent; (4) you have been adjudged addicted or in danger of becoming addicted to narcotics, convicted, and committed to a State institution. If you have been convicted of a felony, you may be allowed to participate in this examination if your conviction(s): (1) has/have been sealed under Penal Code Section 851.7, 851.8, 1203.45, or Health and Safety Code Section 11361.5; (2) has/have been expunged or is/are expugnable pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 11361.5 regarding marijuana offenses; (3) was/were stipulated or designated to be a lesser included offense of marijuana possession under Health and Safety Code Section 11557 or 11366.

TTY is Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

If hearing impaired, call the California Relay Service.

1-800-735-2929 (From TDD Phone)

1-800-735-2922 (From Voice Phone)

TDD is Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and is reachable only from telephones equipped with a TDD device.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

TESTING AND SELECTION UNIT

P.O. BOX 944255

SACRAMENTO, CA 94244-2550

                                                                                            (916) 324-5039