Investigator

About the role

The purpose of this classification is to conduct case investigations in preparation for court action, to include gathering information, interviewing witnesses, locating evidence, reconstructing crime scenes, and making recommendations regarding case direction/strategy.

Responsibilities

• Manages caseload of investigations; identifies priorities and plans investigations; ensures case preparations are completion by scheduled court dates; maintains case files; ensures presence of all pertinent documentation in case files; prepares investigative reports of findings.
• Covers the following duties:
  • Conducts investigations and gathers information into the facts regarding an alleged offense, the criminal status of a defendant, or other situation in preparation for court action;
  • Reviews police reports, medical records, crime laboratory reports, Department of Family & Children Services reports, criminal history reports, driving history reports, crime scene photographs/videotapes, defendant/witness statements, and other documentation;
  • Takes photographs of crime scenes;
  • Reconstructs crime scenes and draws diagrams.
• Locates and interviews witnesses, defendants, victims, officers, or other individuals involved in cases; issues subpoenas to obtain testimony in court from various individuals in relation to cases; locates, protects, documents, and reviews evidence associated with cases.
• Assists with preparation of cases for court; coordinates availability of witnesses, victims, and officers for testimony at trial; retrieves, secures, and transports evidence for presentation in court; initiates and executes search warrants; serves court papers; prepares exhibits for court; makes duplicate copies of audio/video tapes.
• Reviews cases with prosecutors; provides case information and makes recommendations regarding case direction/strategy; assists with decisions whether to prosecute a defendant or whether to arrest a suspect; recommends course of action for felony cases; recommends case dismissals as appropriate.
• Arrests and detains criminal perpetrators.
• Assists prosecutors during court proceedings; testifies in court as needed; attends calendar calls.
• Conducts research of computer records, Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed; compiles data, analyzes data, and identifies trends/patterns; summarizes data and prepares reports.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, investigative reports, case files, witness lists, warrants, subpoenas, crime scene diagrams, presentation materials, mileage reports, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, police reports, medical records, crime laboratory reports, Department of Family & Children Services reports, criminal history reports, driving history reports, drug/alcohol reports, photographs, video tapes, defendant/witness statements, laws, codes, maps, policies, procedures, handbooks, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.
• Operates/utilizes a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, firearm, handcuffs, camera, tape recorder, tape duplicator, VCR, pager, general office equipment, or telephone.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, Judges, court personnel, attorneys, defendants, victims, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, laboratory personnel, government agencies, mediators, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Attends meetings and makes presentations as needed.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Performs other related duties as required.
• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Performs a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences or a related field.
  • Supplemented by completion of basic police officer training program.
  • Supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving law enforcement, criminal investigation, and court/judicial system procedures.
  • Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
  • Must possess and maintain valid Georgia P.O.S.T. Peace Officer certification.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Benefits

• Personal Leave: 0 - 4 Years - 20 days per year - 6.16 hours per pay period; 5 - 14 Years - 25 days per year - 7.70 hours per pay period; 15+Years - 30 days per year - 9.24 hours per pay period.
• Observed Holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2), and Christmas (2).
• Medical Insurance: Two medical plans offered by Aetna and a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.
• Dental Insurance: Two dental plans from Delta Dental: Base $1,000 Plan Buy-Up $1,500 Plan.
• Vision Insurance: The vision plan offered by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is administered by Aetna and will offer office visit copays for exams, as well as copays for lenses, frames, and contacts.
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance: 100% paid by Forsyth County. Eligibility begins date of hire. Short Term Disability – 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,000.00 a week. Eligibility begins 14 days after an accident or sickness and has a benefit period of 24 weeks. Long Term Disability – 60% of monthly earnings to a maximum of $5,000.00 a month. Eligibility begins at 26 weeks to coordinate with the end of Short Term benefits and continues 24 months (Own Occupation).
• Additional Life Insurance & AD&D: Rates vary based on amount of coverage selected. Additional life insurance may be purchased for employee, spouse, and children.
• Retirement Plan (401K): Fully vested at five years of employment – 20% graduated vesting annually. Eligible to begin contributions immediately upon hire. Six Months through One Year of County Service Forsyth County matches your contributions, dollar for dollar, up to 5% of your pay. That’s a 100% return on the first 5% of pay you save. Years One through Five Forsyth County “seeds” your account with 5% of your pay each year, and matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 5% of your pay. Years 5 through 10 The County continues its automatic “seed” contribution of 5% of pay, matches up to the first 5% of pay that you contribute, then adds a 50% match up to the next 5%. After 10 Years of Service You continue to receive a 100% County match on the first 5% of pay you contribute, and 50% on the next 5% of pay you save. But now, the automatic contribution the County makes to “seed” your account each year increases to 7.5% of your pay.

Required

• Do you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences or a related field? YesNo
• Do you have at least one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving law enforcement, criminal investigation, and court/judicial system procedures? YesNo
• Do you possess POST Certification? YesNo
• Do you have a valid driver's license? YesNo