Class Series Concept

Within the Liquor and Cannabis Board, positions in this series exercise discretionary authority in the enforcement of criminal and administrative law; initiates investigations of violations to state liquor, marijuana, and tobacco related laws and regulations; arrests violators, execute warrants, files administrative and criminal charges; serves subpoenas and other legal documents; coordinates and work with local State and Federal law enforcement agencies and supervise investigators on undercover assignments; conducts investigations of suspected illegal activities in liquor, marijuana and tobacco licensed locations. Duties related to “marijuana” throughout this series are those resulting from the passage of Initiative 502.

Definition

In a training capacity and under close supervision, enforces state liquor, marijuana and tobacco laws by conducting investigations, financial audits, on-premises inspections, and citing and arresting violators; and provides education. 

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents in these positions work under close supervision of a higher level LCB  Enforcement Officer and participate in two training programs:  the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) and a Field Training  Program (FTP).  After successful completion of BLEA and a 12 month post training period, which includes FTP, incumbents will advance to the LCB  Enforcement Officer 2 level.  The total time shall not exceed 18 months.

Typical Work

Receives progressive assignments in the following areas:

Investigates complaints from citizens and police and coordinates investigations with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies;

Examines violations of liquor, marijuana and tobacco laws; arrests violators; executes warrants and files administrative and criminal charges; appears and testifies in court; seizes and preserves evidence utilizing the chain of custody methods;

Carries out routine inspections of licensed premises and authorized special events for compliance with liquor, marijuana and tobacco laws and regulations. These checks can include but are not limited to retail sales location of alcohol such as grocery stores, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, large sports and entertainment facilities, casinos and location of special events. Marijuana inspections can also include growing operations and processing operations. Tobacco inspection can further include licensed distribution locations, and tobacco only stores;

Runs compliance checks for youth access utilizing underage minor investigative aides in license and unlicensed locations related to liquor, marijuana, and tobacco;

Participates in undercover investigations related to licensed operation and unlicensed activities, associated with liquor, tobacco, and marijuana sales and production;

Establishes and maintains effective relationships with members of the public, law enforcement agencies, and local businesses;

Handles financial audits to determine true parties of interest and sources of funds; analyzes corporate structures, partnerships and other information relevant to determine all parties are legally involved with the business;  

Partakes in vehicle stops and felony arrests, primarily for tobacco tax and marijuana enforcement;

Prepares and completes comprehensive, administrative and criminal case reports, data analysis for assigned area, time accounting and scheduling, and time and activity tracking;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: State liquor, marijuana and tobacco laws; laws of arrest; search and seizure; criminal procedure; rules of evidence; and constitutional law.

Ability to: secure and maintain evidence and testify in Administrative Hearings and courts of law; interact with diverse groups; remain calm/rational when communicating with irate/intoxicated people; maintain documentation regarding work activities; write concise, accurate and timely reports.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification.  It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree, in business administration, public administration, criminal justice, police science or a closely related field.     

OR 

Two years of college-level course work and two years of experience conducting investigations.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Note: Must be 21 years old and possess a valid Washington State Driver's License upon appointment.

Class Specification History

New class: 7-1-92.
Revised definition: 12-97 effective 7-1-98 as part of 6767 legislative process.
Revised distinguishing characteristics and qualifications: 7-13-01.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 42160); adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Salary Adjustment adopted June 30, 2015, effective July 1, 2015.
Revised title, DCs and definition; adopted August 13, 2015; effective August 14, 2015.