Ask5_ The Investigator’s Path_ Careers in Criminal Justice & Special Investigations with Darren Miller of NYS DOCCS

Are you interested in a career in criminal justice and special investigations? Join us for Ask5: The Investigator’s Path: Careers in Criminal Justice & Special Investigations, a 1:1 career conversation that delves into the exciting world of investigative work.

Our guest, a professional in the field, will share insights into their career journey, the skills needed for success, and the realities of working in special investigations. We'll discuss career pathways, industry trends, and advice for those looking to enter or advance in this dynamic field. Whether you're considering a career in law enforcement, private investigations, or specialized criminal justice roles, this conversation will provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in special investigations!

Bio: Darren Miller is the Deputy Commissioner and Chief of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations (OSI). He first joined OSI in 2015 as the Director of Operations, was subsequently promoted to Assistant Commissioner / Assistant Chief, and has served as Deputy Commissioner / Chief since February 2020. Chief Miller is in command of over 240 investigators who investigate employee misconduct, assaults, narcotics, sexual abuse, threats of violence, absconders, gun trafficking, and violent extremist radicalization within the state’s correctional and community supervision system.
Chief Miller also develops policies and initiatives to improve the operations of OSI and the Department. OSI, for example, now has an Analysis Unit which leverages the analysis of data to support criminal and administrative investigations, as well as provided white papers, statistical analysis, trend-analysis, and strategic assessments to identify and help mitigate risk. Under Chief Miller’s leadership, OSI combines thorough, objective investigations with proactive measures, such as inspections and monitoring initiatives, to uphold the Department’s public safety mission with integrity and fairness.
The pursuit of justice and the promotion of integrity within government have been Darren Miller’s passion for over 25 years. He is a graduate of Brown University and Albany Law School. He started his legal career as a criminal defense attorney, and then he served as an assistant district attorney for seven years in his home community, Saratoga County. He the investigated the waste, fraud, and abuse of New York State resources for several years as a Deputy Inspector General in the New York State Inspector General’s Office. He further has led investigations and monitoring teams on major construction projects for a private sector inspector general firm, Thacher Associates, in New York City.
He later investigated and prosecuted public corruption cases as a Senior Counsel in the New York State Attorney General’s Office.
In 2019, Chief Miller graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He also serves on the Board of Delegates for the New York and Eastern Canada Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. He is a Certified Inspector General by the national Association of Inspectors General (AIG). He currently serves on the AIG’s Board of Directors and is the President of the AIG’s New York / New Jersey Chapter. In 2024, Miller was appointed to be the DOCCS representative on the Advisory Council of the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, and he serves on state’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team.