What are the responsibilities and job description for the Investigative Specialist I, District Investigator - Police Department position at City of Baltimore?
An Investigative Specialist I is responsible for performing administrative professional work assisting in investigations conducted and managed by the Baltimore Police Department. Members in this classification assist in conducting and reviewing administrative investigations and/or a variety of criminal investigations and prosecution activities. Work includes conducting investigative research; documenting areas of violation, collecting and preserving case evidence; analysis of case documentation including but not limited to: audio-taped statements, photographs, payroll records, daily activity sheets, criminal databases, intelligence reports, and police incident reports; recommending an appropriate investigative course of action; conducting preliminary case interviews; performing weekly statistical analysis of all; drafting of all case correspondences upon completion of the investigation; and related duties as required.
Investigative Specialists assigned to either a District Detective Unit (DDU) or to a Baltimore Community Intelligence Center (BCIC) located within the Patrol Division have job responsibilities that include: participating in developing and planning investigations and enforcement strategies with BPD Officers; participating in joint investigative and surveillance operations, conducting social media and computer database searches; researching, collecting and analyzing documentary evidence; and other duties as assigned.
The work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities.
Incumbents receive moderate supervision from a technical supervisor, usually a Police Sergeant or higher classification. Employees in this class work a conventional workweek that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. The employees work in an office and on-site of incidents where such conditions as seasonal weather extremes, hazardous waste, and hostile confrontations may be encountered.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK:The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the overall classification. While this posting is for a vacancy in the Patrol Division (DDU/BCIC), members hired into this classification may also be given the opportunity to move to other sections of the BPD as vacancies arise.
Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the agency. This list is not exhaustive. A position may require related duties not listed, if necessary to accomplish the work of the agency.
Participates in developing and planning investigations and enforcement strategies with Baltimore City Police Officers; participates in joint investigative and surveillance operations.
Interprets state statutes and City ordinances regarding public safety laws and regulations; prepares legal documents such as search warrants, statements of probable cause, criminal, civil, and other citations based on pertinent code violations.
Interviews witnesses, complainants, potential suspects, and their family members, co-workers, employers, and neighbors, to obtain information that will lead to the location, identification, and apprehension of individuals accused of criminal activity; pursues leads obtained in interviews.
Conducts social media and computer database searches to identify and locate individuals accused of criminal activity
Research collects and analyzes documentary evidence pertinent to the investigation. Conducts photo and video surveillance operations as needed.
Prepares reports of investigation findings for submission to appropriate authorities. Prepares narrative reports to document investigative activity and findings and to justify prosecution of a case; maintains pertinent records and prepares reports on the progress of investigations and on completed investigations.
Conducts the scheduling and monitoring of department disciplinary, accident, and work status hearings. Conducts disciplinary investigations regarding minor complaints of alleged misconduct or policy violations of Police Department personnel
Testifies as needed at departmental and trial board hearings, as well as in local, state, and federal courts.
Investigates and studies internal operations relative to supervision, discipline, personnel relations, and lines of communication.
Reviews use of force by Police Officers and reviews body-worn camera interactions between Police Officers and the general public to ensure stops, searches, and arrests are conducted within Police Department policy.
Performs investigative audits and inspections on a variety of administrative, financial, and operational activities conducted by Police Department personnel to ensure effective and efficient use of resources.
Conducts background investigations for clearing individuals for hire for the Police Department or other City Agencies
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of investigative methods, techniques, practices, and procedures.
Skill in conducting investigative interviews and eliciting the cooperation of individuals and businesses.
Skill in investigative methods.
Ability to comprehend, interpret and apply rules, regulations, and policies relevant to criminal and civil investigations.
Ability to utilize sound judgment and remain calm under stressful situations.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, governmental employees, officials, and enforcement officers.
Ability to deal effectively with the general public.
Ability to testify as an expert witness in court and defend findings.
Ability to prepare narrative reports explaining investigative activity and findings and justifying prosecution of a case.
Ability to utilize photographic equipment to photograph and document criminal evidence.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sources and records.
Ability to accept direction and criticism and to function in an organization with strict rules and regulations.
Ability to participate and successfully complete all mandated phases of entrance level training including classroom, field, and skills training.
Ability to operate motor vehicles safely and effectively and to enter and exit such vehicles frequently.
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education, with a focus on Criminal Justice or a related field OR
- High School Diploma/GED plus two (2) years of experience working as an investigator in any function, including but not limited to, criminal, civil, environmental, housing, code violations, or performing administrative audits and inspections
- Successfully review of an applicant’s employment history to determine suitability for hire
- Be at least 21 years of age
NOTE EQUIVALENCIES: Each additional year of education at an accredited college or university may substitute for six (6) months of the experience requirement.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND CERTIFICATIONS: Have a valid Class C Noncommercial driver’s license or an equivalent out-of-state driver’s license acceptable to the Office of Risk Management is required.The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete supplemental questions to further examine specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of the position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.
NOTES: Those eligible who are under final consideration for appointment to positions in this class will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information and satisfactorily pass a fingerprint and background investigation conducted by the Baltimore City Police Department.
Employees must participate in and successfully complete entry-level and ongoing skill development training related to the investigation and departmental policies in order to maintain employment in this position.
Salary : $49,356