Investigator

About the Role

Performs responsible investigative work in connection with criminal and juvenile complaints and offenses under the jurisdiction of the Public Defender’s Office. Assists in the preparation and defense of criminal cases in the Superior Court. Interprets and carries out methods and procedures related to investigative activities, making contacts with law enforcement officials, outside agencies, and the public. Gathers, prepares, and maintains investigation records.

This is the journey level class in the series, distinguished from the Senior Public Investigator role by the absence of supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Conducts investigations of criminal cases (fraud, homicide, felonies, misdemeanors) to support legal defense; reviews documents, identifies, evaluates, and collects information, data, and evidence.
• Visits crime scenes, develops leads, contacts sources, interviews witnesses, victims, law enforcement officials, agency representatives, and others to gather statements and information; serves subpoenas.
• Interviews patients, mentally ill clients, doctors, and family members as part of investigations.
• Collects and evaluates physical and material evidence; discusses findings with attorneys to determine crime connection and admissibility in trial.
• Takes photographs and measurements, locates witnesses, conducts background investigations, and uncovers inconsistencies; testifies in court regarding evidence and investigative findings.
• Maintains complete records of investigative activities, including contacts, evidence findings, statements, scene descriptions, and case analysis; prepares investigative reports.

Requirements

Knowledge

• Applicable laws and legal techniques, principles, and procedures used in criminal defense investigations.
• Working with attorneys to understand elements of and defenses to crimes as they relate to specific cases.

Abilities

• Review and analyze discovery in criminal and juvenile cases.
• Identify, evaluate, and collect information, data, and evidence during investigations.
• Exercise discretion, independent judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving in a timely manner.
• Detect and uncover discrepancies and inconsistencies in information.
• Prioritize work by planning and organizing multiple assignments.
• Work effectively and reliably in teams with attorneys, paralegals, other investigators, experts, and support staff.
• Establish rapport and interact professionally with diverse groups, including clients, families, law enforcement, court personnel, and the public.
• Communicate clearly and accurately verbally and in writing, using proper vocabulary and grammar.
• Prepare correspondence and reports in a clear and understandable manner.
• Promote cooperative relationships with individuals, groups, officials, and the public; interact tactfully and diplomatically.
• Work objectively and impartially with cultural sensitivity toward various groups.

Skills

• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Operate or learn to operate computer equipment, electronic devices, and investigation-related equipment.

Qualifications

Two (2) years of verifiable experience in one of the following:

• Public defender’s investigator, district attorney’s investigator, or licensed administrative/law enforcement investigator, including investigative work in administrative, juvenile, criminal, or civil matters.
• Professional investigator in criminal matters, including interviewing witnesses, examining crime scenes, and investigating alleged criminal conduct.

OR

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Forensics, or a related field (e.g., Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Journalism) and one (1) year of verifiable investigator training or experience in a professional field (e.g., law, media/journalism, public health/welfare, human/civil rights, business, education, social sciences, public policy, government, non-profit).

Substitution

Up to 2 years of required education may be substituted with additional qualifying experience. One year (2000 hours) of additional qualifying experience is equivalent to 30 semester units/45 quarter units.

License or Certificate

Possession of a valid driver's license.

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must complete required training and return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.