Marshall County Job Description

Investigator

 

Department:         Sheriff                                                    Job Code:  753                    

Reports To:           Captain - Investigations                      DOT Reference:    375.267-010

Date:                      November 2007                                                  

FLSA:                    Non-Exempt

 

Summary

 

Conduct investigations to prevent or solve crimes.  Examine the crime scenes for evidence that might lead to the identity of the perpetrator and other factors important to the solution of a crime.   Interview witnesses and suspect as well as informants.  Conduct surveillance and other activities in order to obtain evidence of criminal activity.  Prepare case files, testify in court and before grand jury.  Consult with supervisor as required by SOP or when needed.  Assist other agencies as needed.

 

Essential Job Functions

 

A.            Conduct preliminary investigation at crime scene

                1.             Make visual search at crime scene for evidence related to a crime

                2.             Collect and preserve evidence

                3.             Interview witnesses at the scene of a crime

                4.             Arrest suspect(s) at scene and transport to county jail for processing, as appropriate

5.             Ensure that crime scene is secured to prevent unauthorized individuals from tampering with evidence

 

B.            Conduct follow-up investigative activities

                1.             Review crime scene evidence and notes to identify possible suspects

                2.             Investigate known criminals for connection to crime

                        3.             Perform covert investigative activities such as “stake outs”

                4.             Prepare notes for use in case files and preparation for court

                5.             Prepare warrants and make arrests or assist in arrests

                6.             Prepare case files for transcription

                7.             Conduct interview with children, victims, witnesses, and alleged offenders

8.             Prepare charges, response to charges, or other information for court cases in accordance with established procedures

 

C.            Testify in court and grand jury and perform other court related activities

                1.             Review case files with supervisor

                2.             Give testimony in court

                3.             Give testimony before grand jury

                4.             Communicate with victims regarding crimes and assist them through the court system

               

D.            Perform a variety of activities to obtain evidence, preserve evidence, and assist other agencies

                1.             Assist other agencies by providing information or expertise

                2.             Instruct patrol officers on evidence handling

                3.             Serve on related committees and teams

                4.             Participate in raids and other focused activities

5.             Provide information to lab personnel concerning the source of an item of evidence and test to be performed

6.             Establish and maintain surveillance activities to obtain information related to crime or criminals

7.             Observe and photograph narcotic purchase transactions to obtain evidence for use in arrest and prosecution

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

1.             Knowledge of digital and electronic equipment such as digital cameras, body wires, pinhole cameras, transmitters, repeaters, recorders, computer software

2.             Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures

3.             Knowledge of proper use of handcuffs, mace, firearms, 2-way radio, fingerprint computer

4.             Knowledge of proper law enforcement procedures in arrests, interviewing, handling of prisoners

5.             Knowledge of county, state, and federal rules, regulations, policies, and laws related to law enforcement and investigations

6.             Knowledge of drugs and their effects

7.             Knowledge of modern criminal investigation techniques and procedures

8.             Ability to communicate both orally and in writing

9.             Ability to read and comprehend laws, ordinances, policies and procedures and appropriately apply them to work situations

10.          Ability to understand oral instructions and directions

11.          Ability to perform mathematical calculations related to investigations, with or without a calculator

12.          Ability to write to the extent necessary to complete forms, reports, and case files

13.          Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public

14.          Ability to interact with the public, victims, and witnesses to provide information in a polite and efficient manner both in person and on the telephone

15.          Ability to obtain information through interview and interrogation

16.          Ability to work independently

17.          Ability to use a variety of digital and electronic equipment and procedures to obtain and correctly identify and categorize evidence

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate plus 3 years of experience as a law enforcement officer and certification as a law enforcement officer by the Alabama Peace Officer’s Standards and Training Commission. 

 

Other:     Valid Alabama Driver’s License

                                                                                               

               

This  job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job classification.  All incumbents may not perform all job duties listed, and some incumbents may perform some duties that are not listed, and incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description.