District Attorney Investigator II
About the Role
This examination is being given to fill one vacancy in the District Attorney's Office and to establish an eligible list to fill future vacancies. Under direction, investigates alleged and suspected violations of criminal and civil law falling within the jurisdiction of the District Attorney's Office; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
Class Characteristics
This is the journey level District Attorney Investigator. An employee of this class conducts difficult investigations assigned to the District Attorney's Office. Work is performed with considerable independence, may involve an element of personal danger, and may entail long hours of work at unusual times of the day or night. Employees of the District Attorney Investigator series are statutory full-time peace officers and have a duty to act upon criminal violations occurring in their presence. Employees are peace officers as defined by Section 830.1 of the Penal Code.
Responsibilities
- Conducts investigations of civil and criminal matters including, but not limited to, consumer, real estate, insurance, and welfare fraud; embezzlement; misconduct of public officials; officer involved critical incidents; homicide; and investigations requested by the Grand Jury.
- Interviews and questions accused or suspected individuals and witnesses; examines court, police, public and governmental records needed for investigations; records and evaluates information obtained.
- Inspects crime scenes to locate, identify, assemble, preserve, record and evaluate information.
- Establishes and maintains contact with informants; gathers intelligence information concerning alleged criminal activities.
- Assembles and prepares evidence for presentation in court; assists attorneys in court; gives testimony in court.
- Analyzes and evaluates the results of investigations in light of recent court decisions; reviews reports of other law enforcement agencies to determine if all investigative avenues have been explored; detects defenses which may have been overlooked.
- Makes oral and written reports.
- Serves legal papers such as subpoenas, warrants and summonses; serves and executes extradition papers.
- Assists in coordinating the investigative activities of the District Attorney's Office with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Develops and maintains positive relations with the public to gain compliance and trust; fosters collaborative partnerships, which may include making presentations to community members and organizations.
- Negotiates and arranges for repayment of fraudulently obtained funds.
- As assigned, acts in mutual aid situations, which may include active law enforcement duties; applies proper techniques of arrest; determines appropriate course of action when faced with potentially violent situations; works in an undercover capacity.
- May provide technical training and direction to lower level sworn and non-sworn investigative staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge: Techniques, methods, and procedures used in crime detection and criminal investigations; community-based policing and collaborative problem solving between community residents and law enforcement; rules of evidence, arrest and court procedures; interviewing techniques and procedures; civil and criminal laws and ordinances in effect in the County; techniques of securing, evaluating, and preparing evidence and exhibits for trial; search and seizure; service of legal papers; legal rights of citizens; firearms safety.
Ability: Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence; interpret and fairly and equitably apply legal provisions; obtain information through questioning and observation; draw logical conclusions and make proper recommendations; analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action; prepares comprehensive reports on investigations; learn to operate specialized investigative equipment; express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other investigators, law enforcement officials, the public and others.
Benefits
- Health Insurance: Choice of three health plans (Kaiser, Select, Premier). Employees pay a portion of the premium. Dependent coverage available.
- Dental Insurance: Choice of two plans (Delta Dental and United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan). No cost for employee-only coverage; dependent coverage available at employee's expense.
- Vision Insurance: Coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). No cost for employee-only coverage; dependent coverage available at employee's expense.
- Life Insurance: County-provided coverage based on continuous service: $1,000 (1-3 years), $3,000 (3-5 years), $5,000 (5-10 years), $10,000 (10+ years). Additional term life up to $200,000 at group rate available for purchase.
- 125 Flexible Benefits Plan: Voluntary pre-tax program for health-related expenses (Health FSA $2,550 annual limit with $500 carryover) and dependent care costs (Dependent Care Assistance Plan $5,000 annual limit).
- Retirement Plan: County Retirement Act of 1937. Employees in this classification are Safety Members in the San Joaquin County Retirement System.
- Deferred Compensation: Section 457 plan. Annual contribution up to $22,500 or 100% of includible compensation (whichever is less). Individuals age 50+ may contribute up to $30,000. Roth IRA (after tax) also available.
- Vacation: Maximum 10 days/year up to 3 years; 15 days after 3 years; 20 days after 10 years; 23 days after 20 years.
- Holiday: 10 or 14 holidays per year depending on date of hire.
- Sick Leave: 12 working days annually with unlimited accumulation. Sick leave incentive: 8 hours administrative leave if balance equals at least half of cumulative accrual and employee is on payroll entire calendar year.
- Bereavement Leave: 3 days paid for death of immediate family member; 2 additional accrued days for death of spouse, domestic partner, parent, or child.
- Merit Salary Increase: Starting salary is first step of range. Eligible for merit increase to next step after 52 weeks (2080 hours) on each step.
- Bilingual Pay: $50 bi-weekly supplement for designated employees who pass bilingual proficiency examination.
- Standby Pay: 20% of regular hourly rate for designated standby status. Employees in this series designated to rotation of standby duty for Officer Involved Critical Incident Protocol shall regularly be assigned a take-home County vehicle in lieu of standby pay for as long as the Protocol exists.
- P.O.S.T. Pay: $84.80 bi-weekly for Intermediate POST Certificate holders (without Advanced); $283.20 bi-weekly for Advanced POST Certificate holders.
- Pre-Employment Physical Exam: If required, conducted at Dameron Hospital at no cost to employee.
- Job Sharing: Available with Department Head and Director of Human Resources approval.
- Educational Reimbursement Program: Up to $850 per fiscal year for career-related course work; up to $800 per semester ($1,600 per fiscal year) for approved four-year college/university academic program.
- School Activities: Up to 40 hours per year (max 8 hours/month) to participate in children's school activities.
Selection Procedures
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will go through the following examination process:
- Written Exam: Multiple choice format. If administered alone, it will be 100% of the overall score. Candidates must achieve a minimum rating of 70% to be placed on the eligible list.
- Oral Exam: Structured interview process assessing education, training, and experience; may include a practical exercise. This is not a hiring interview. A panel of up to four people will determine the candidate's score and rank for placement.