Defense Investigator - Public Defender

Pima County Public Defender's Office is seeking a qualified and dedicated Defense Investigator to join its team of professionals representing adult and juvenile clients. The Defense Investigator is a skilled professional tasked with uncovering the truth and gathering evidence to support the client's defense.

About the role

This position performs work conducting highly complex and specialized investigations and preparing documentation for presentation in court. The duties include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing case materials to support the defense in criminal cases, juvenile delinquency proceedings, and dependency proceedings. The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice.

Responsibilities

• Locates, identifies, and interviews clients, witnesses, and other persons, often involving sensitive or personal issues.
• Identifies, collects, and processes evidence, including electronic evidence, as well as photographs crime scenes and other items of evidence.
• Interprets lab reports regarding DNA, fingerprints, tool marks, and firearms.
• Interprets specialized reports commonly used by law enforcement.
• Prepares reports to assist in defense of clients.
• Testifies in a variety of judicial proceedings.
• Serves and returns subpoenas.
• Obtains and reviews case information to determine investigative methods.
• Utilizes social media platforms for investigative purposes.
• Utilizes appropriate computer databases or records for investigative purposes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in law enforcement, law, criminal justice, or any other investigative area related to area of assignment (e.g., accounting, finance, or computer science) and two years of investigative experience in a specialized investigative area. Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted.
• Or five years of investigative experience, at least three years of which involved criminal investigation. Relevant education may substitute for a portion of the experience.
• Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid Arizona driver license is required at time of appointment.
• Successful completion of a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine suitability to operate county vehicles.
• Post-offer, pre-employment background screening, including verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.
• Post-job offer proof of immunization(s) and/or TB screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Minimum three years of experience in law enforcement.

Skills

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to upholding the principles of justice.
• Ability to interpret lab reports and specialized law enforcement reports.
• Proficiency in utilizing social media and computer databases for investigative purposes.
• Ability to testify in judicial proceedings.

Pay

Hiring range: $28.85 - $34.25 per hour. Pay range: $28.85 - $39.96 per hour. The actual salary offer will consider a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Working Conditions

• Regular, daily attendance is required.
• Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment.
• Frequently observes details at close range and speaks to clients, witnesses, and other involved parties in-person and/or on the phone.
• Frequently drives to conduct field work, including visiting clients at residences or jails, locating witnesses, and other investigative tasks.
• Regularly works in a professional office setting; occasionally works outdoors.
• Occasionally lifts and carries items, remains in a stationary position, or moves about inside an office.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.