Criminal Investigator III; Lakewood - Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement Division; Remote

Criminal Investigator III – Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement Division Job Overview

The Criminal Investigator III works within the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement Division. The position conducts investigations of licensed liquor and tobacco businesses to ensure compliance with Colorado laws and regulations, performs inspections and compliance checks, undertakes undercover operations, prepares investigative reports, and testifies in administrative or criminal proceedings.

• Conduct inspections, compliance checks, and plan investigations and undercover operations of alleged violations of Colorado Liquor and Tobacco statutes and regulations.
• Prepare investigative reports and testifying in administrative or criminal proceedings.
• Gather evidence through interviews, surveillance, and database research; issue summonses or make arrests as needed.
• Interview witnesses, suspects, complainants, applicants, licensees and the general public to gather evidence.
• Use the Public Service Record CSP evidence tracking system, Callyo, and other databases to support investigations.
• Make physical arrests when necessary for violations of law during liquor and tobacco investigations, consistent with Department policy.
• Conduct covert operations or surveillance of licensed establishments to produce evidence for administrative action or criminal prosecution, following approval procedures.
• Respond to complaints and proactively visit/inspect licensed businesses as an armed peace officer to prevent prohibited possession, sale, and consumption.
• Apply fact‑finding analysis, problem‑solving, and investigative techniques to assess compliance and develop intervention strategies for corrective action.
• Provide oral and written summaries of investigations to support criminal or administrative prosecution.
• Plan and execute underage sale compliance checks that may result in criminal enforcement.
• Prepare sworn affidavits for judicial review and warrants related to liquor and tobacco violations.
• Testify in civil and criminal courts and administrative hearings.
• Assist local police agencies by providing law‑enforcement support for liquor and tobacco investigations.
• Prepare operational plans outlining staffing, objectives, equipment, and other operational details for review by supervisory staff.
• Coordinate operations with the underage operative to ensure sufficient operations are conducted annually and timecards accurately reflect work performed.
• Conduct supplementary investigations of liquor licenses for potential over‑service of alcohol or other violations that may contribute to automotive fatalities.
• Accurately document all work time and leave in the time‑tracking system, submit overtime requests for approval, and maintain a Google calendar with daily activities.
• Attend all required training, maintain certifications (e.g., arrest control, defensive tactics, firearms, POST) and keep training records up to date.
• Prepare comprehensive investigative reports for case files within minimum timeframe guidelines.
• Prepare records requests, summonses, arrest warrants, search warrants, and charging documents for administrative action.
• Maintain spreadsheets for division statistical purposes and provide activity reports to supervisory staff.
• Provide training to local authorities, law‑enforcement agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public on liquor and tobacco requirements.

• Six (6) years of full‑time professional investigative experience in a regulatory environment; or, if possessing a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, two (2) years of investigative experience.
• Must possess a valid Colorado POST certification that is active, in good standing, and free of any restrictions, suspensions, or revocations at the application date.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation and tax check prior to appointment.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment background check, physical and psychological evaluation.
• Willingness to work nights, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and maintain on‑call status while off‑duty for emergency and supervisory response.
• Ability to travel extensively across the designated territory…