TJJD - Inspector General Sergeant CID - (Mart)

Agency Information – We are committed to transforming lives and building safer communities by working collaboratively, communicating openly, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Our team models accountability, transparency, and respect, taking proactive steps to ensure the physical and emotional safety of youth, staff, and the community. We strive for excellence through continuous growth, thoughtful decision making, and mission-driven collaboration, supporting one another while embracing challenges that lead to meaningful, long-term impact.

About the role

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is the independent law enforcement agency dedicated to maintaining the safety and security of the Texas juvenile justice system. It has statutory responsibility to investigate criminal allegations involving TJJD juveniles, employees, facilities, contractors, volunteers, or programs within the Texas juvenile justice system. OIG inspectors general oversee criminal investigations and possess all the power and duties granted to peace officers under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Their authority extends to parole officers and facilities operating under contract with TJJD.

Specialized inspectors employed by the OIG investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation by staff against justice-involved youth at both the state and county levels. The OIG also provides security at gatehouses, controlling the ingress and egress of all personnel and vehicles. Additionally, they are responsible for detecting and intercepting contraband to prevent its introduction into secure facilities operated by the TJJD.

The OIG operates the 24-hour Incident Reporting Center (IRC), serving as the reporting and clearinghouse for the Texas juvenile justice system. The IRC receives and documents allegations of criminal and administrative misconduct including fraud, waste, abuse, neglect, and exploitation related to juveniles, facilities, and programs under the jurisdiction of the TJJD. Criminal analysts employed by the OIG compile and submit reports regarding criminal and administrative investigations and OIG operations to the TJJD board members, the legislature, and other state agencies. They also monitor compliance with the TJJD Use of Force Plan.

Performs investigative law enforcement work as a commissioned peace officer for the Office of Inspector General at the Juvenile Justice Department. Work involves planning, organizing, and conducting investigations on agency property or involving agency interests. Work may require use of canine partners to aid in the detection, interception, and investigation of contraband within secure and non-secure TJJD-operated and contracted facilities and detection of articles and human scents in the event of an escape.

Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per workweek and be on call. This position may be required to respond to a designated location within 60 minutes. Extensive statewide travel is required, including instances of travel with very little notice.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and conducts criminal and administrative investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and related allegations; includes interviewing witnesses, collecting and evaluating evidence, and preparing detailed reports for legal and administrative action.
• Oversees, obtains, and executes warrants; assists other law enforcement agencies; conducts undercover investigations; and performs arrests and facility security duties, including escapee pursuit.
• Oversees and evaluates evidence; prepares comprehensive reports of investigations; and submits criminal cases for prosecution and administrative reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to agency leadership for discipline.
• Documents and oversees investigative activity in accordance with standard operating procedures and maintains records of cases, evidence, contraband, and property in compliance with applicable laws and retention policies.
• Conducts routine, random, or specifically requested searches and inspections of the facility premises, persons, and vehicles entering or on facility premises.
• Records all training and other activities and maintains such records; and completes monthly activity reports.
• Coordinates with departmental staff to meet objectives, shares information on investigative activities, identifies operational concerns and trends, and recommends improvements.
• Collects and analyzes reports of serious injury, escape, youth-on-youth assaults, and attempted suicide; issues reports regarding non-compliance with related state laws and agency rules; and issues reports regarding need for technical assistance.
• May be assigned as a computer forensic investigator.
• Performs all duties in compliance with agency safety policies and procedures.
• Reports safety hazards and corrects them when possible; and completes required documentation for accidents or injuries within specified timeframes.
• Provides training to others.
• May be assigned a canine partner to assist with the detection, interception, and investigation of contraband in both secure and non-secure areas of agency-operated and contracted facilities.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.
• Extensive statewide travel is required, including instances of travel with very little notice.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in criminal justice, social work, behavioral sciences, or a related field.