Investigator

Hiring range: $70,740.00 - $75,000.00 annually

About the Role

This position investigates alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, State, or Local laws for both El Paso and Teller Counties to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution. Assists prosecutors in trial preparation of cases already filed with the District Attorney’s Office. Investigators employed by the District Attorney’s Office are Peace Officers as defined by C.R.S. 16-2.5-133.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations to identify issues involved and types of evidence needed.
• Thoroughly investigates each assigned case, including identifying and interviewing additional witnesses and documenting additional evidence.
• Ensures that the elements of the crime are present and the charges are appropriate.
• Assists in determining the scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
• Works in partnership with various investigative units and agencies to prioritize criminal apprehension efforts and decrease criminal activity related to wanted individuals, including being on call at homicide scenes.
• Prepares arrest warrants for fugitive apprehension efforts.
• Develops and uses informants to get leads and information.
• Identifies, seizes, and preserves evidence with attention to evidence protocol, policies, and procedures.
• Establishes facts by interviewing, observing, and interrogating suspects and witnesses and analyzing records.
• Locates witnesses via available resources within established deadlines.
• Performs state-wide and nationwide criminal history checks via available resources within established deadlines.
• Examines records to detect links in the chain of evidence or information, maintaining chain of evidence with attention to protocol.
• Uses cameras or video recorders to record evidence and documents.
• Verifies information to establish accuracy and authenticity of facts and evidence, resolving conflicting statements, verifying or refuting alibis, and obtaining necessary details.
• Presents findings in clear, logical, impartial, and properly documented reports.
• Transports witnesses and criminal evidence to court.
• Testifies at court hearings.
• Conducts surveillance and performs undercover assignments.
• Reports critical information to and coordinates activities with other offices or agencies when applicable.
• Makes community presentations regarding general investigative techniques to interested groups.
• Serves subpoenas or other official papers.
• Obtains and executes search and arrest warrants.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision

This classification does not have supervisory authority but may provide expertise or limited guidance to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of the functional area. Receives general supervision, following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Two years of investigation experience in a law enforcement setting.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Colorado P.O.S.T. Certification required.
• Must pass a post conditional offer background investigation and reference check.

Qualifications

• Investigators are Peace Officers as defined by C.R.S. 16-2.5-133 and must carry a firearm on duty, qualifying with their duty firearm a minimum of two times a year.
• Must possess and carry a firearm that meets the firearm protocol described in Section 4-131 of the Office of the District Attorney Policies and Procedures Manual while on duty or on scene.
• Knowledge of modern investigative techniques and methods as related to federal, state, and local laws.
• Proficiency in database software, internet software, and word processing software.
• Demonstrated adherence to the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement and government officials.
• Ability to investigate, document, and ensure proper case preparation while developing appropriate standards, policies, and guides.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables.
• Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to read and interpret documents in English; secondary language beneficial.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups.

Work Conditions

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, run, or crawl.
• Occasionally required to physically restrain combative suspects, requiring proficiency in handcuffing techniques.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.