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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OFFICER

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VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OFFICER
Class Code: 454E
Category: Regulatory Services


Definition

Performs inspections of confidential vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to confirm vehicle identity and the authenticity of public VINs. Performs chemical or heat processing to restore altered or obliterated VINs, and imprints the state logo into VIN plates.

Distinguishing Characteristics

VIN inspection positions in this class have agency designated authority to receive confidential VINs from the National Insurance Crime Bureau and use these numbers to confirm the identity and authenticity of public VINs in confidential (secondary) inspections. These VIN positions are also assigned responsibility to conduct preliminary investigations of suspected stolen vehicles for follow-up by appropriate persons.

Typical Work

Maintains control of prenumbered VIN plates assigned and imprints state logo on VIN plates as needed; maintains local files on all inspections as required;

Examines assembled vehicles, glider kits, homemade motor vehicles rebuilt/salvage vehicles, homemade trailers with an empty scale weight of 3,000 pounds or more, and affixes prenumbered VIN plates;

Ensures compliance with the laws, regulations, and administrative codes enforced;

Provides technical assistance to inspectors in the field by researching origination of vehicles and locations of confidential VINs;

Plans, coordinates, and conducts in-service training to VIN inspectors; provides updated training materials as information becomes available on changes related to vehicle identification numbers and locations;

Conducts preliminary investigation in cases of suspected stolen vehicles; interviews and takes statements from involved persons, maintains appropriate records, assembles presentations and testifies in court proceedings, as required;

Makes appointments for dealer inspections; assists the public with accident reports and vehicle title and licensing;

Orders, maintains, and issues supplies; orders gasoline for Patrol facilities and is responsible for maintenance of the gasoline pumps and other equipment used at the pumps;

Conducts and maintains inventory on all nonexpendable items, maintains records of lost and found articles, and destroys obsolete records as required by policy;

Participates in training law enforcement support specialists, VIN Inspectors, and/or clerical, administrative, or office personnel in the district;

May perform all duties of a VIN Inspector;

May act as lead worker for VIN Inspectors, clerical, administrative, office, or district maintenance personnel;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: federal and state laws regarding vehicle titling and registration; legal process and rules of evidence; interview techniques; court preparation and presentation; basic administrative and office procedures; office machinery; agency policies, procedures, and regulations.

Ability to: visually inspect vehicles thoroughly and read the VIN plates; bend, stand, squat, kneel and twist; write clearly; work around high noise levels and exhaust fumes; enforce VIN and vehicle licensing rules, regulations, and statutes; conduct interviews and take statements; obtain vehicle information from data communications systems; plan and conduct the operations of an office; provide direction for VIN, clerical, administrative, or office staff, interact effectively with co-workers and the public.

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.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Desirable Qualifications

Three years’ experience as a peace officer, with at least one year of experience in VIN inspections or auto theft.

OR

Three years’ experience as a Vehicle Identification Number Inspector. 

Note:  A valid driver’s license is required.

Class Specification History

New class: 10-10-97
New class code: (formerly 41742) effective July 1, 2007
Title change (formerly Vehicle Identification Number Officer 2); adopted May 14, 2009, effective May 15, 2009.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.