District Attorney Investigator

Under direction, investigates difficult and complex criminal cases for the District Attorney’s Office; obtains and processes information and evidence required to prepare cases for prosecutors; assists local law enforcement jurisdictions with criminal investigations; and performs related duties as required.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives direction from the District Attorney.  No supervision is exercised. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
This is a single-position classification that performs the full range of investigative duties for the District Attorney, including conducting investigations and preparing cases involving major fraud, grand jury investigations, and other specialized matters.  Incumbents perform criminal and civil investigations requiring a broad scope of investigative techniques, independent analysis of information and evidence, and independent action.  This classification functions as a peace officer in accordance with the provisions of Section 830.1 of the California Penal Code. (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Conducts thorough investigations of suspected criminal and civil violations, including grand jury, major fraud, homicide, child abduction, sexual assault and other issues.
• Monitors, supports and participates in key criminal investigations by other agencies at the request of the District Attorney; determines and recommends Department of Justice involvement.
• Collects and analyzes evidence and information to obtain an accurate account of the events, participants and properties involved in an assigned case; locates and interviews victims, witnesses and others, and interrogates suspects.
• Prepares facts and documentation to obtain warrants and develop a case; obtains and serves subpoenas, arrests, and search warrants.
• Logs and maintains court exhibits.
• May arrest criminal suspect(s) during the course of an investigation.
• Prepares comprehensive reports and documentation to support and facilitate legal prosecution.
• Provides expert witness testimony in court as required.
• Conducts criminal and employment background investigations as necessary or requested.
• Arranges protective custody or other protective measures for crime victims as necessary.
• Works closely with the District Attorney and staff, other departments, and agencies in identifying, investigating, and preparing cases and related activities.
• Evaluates assigned operations and activities; recommends modifications in policies and/or procedures to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.
• Monitors expenditures and prepares related records and reports.
• Maintains assigned equipment and vehicle.
• Responds to and resolves inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility. 
• Performs general administrative and clerical duties as necessary, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, sending and receiving faxes, and ordering supplies.
• Attends training to maintain and improve job knowledge, skills and certifications; maintains proficiency in the use and care of firearms.
• Performs related duties as required.

 Knowledge of:
 

• Applicable Federal, State and County laws, codes, ordinances, regulations and standards affecting assigned operations.
• Principles, practices, techniques and equipment used in in-depth criminal investigation, pursuit, and apprehension of suspects, and arrest and custody of prisoners.
• Laws, codes, regulations and court rules governing suspect and prisoner rights, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.
• Grand jury procedures and requirements pertaining to investigative work.
• Functions, authorities, and organization of other departments and agencies involved in identification, investigation and prosecution of criminal cases.
• Safety practices and precautions pertaining to law enforcement and investigative work.
• Locations and characteristics of various neighborhoods.
• Modern office procedures, practices and technology, including the use of computers in data and word processing.
• Report preparation methods.
• Principles and practices of records and file management.
• Basic mathematics.
• Modern office procedures, practices and technology related to the work, including the use of computers in data and word processing.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

 
Ability to:
 

• Interpret, analyze and apply pertinent federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Analyze complex criminal investigation problems, develop alternatives and adopt effective courses of action.
• Keep abreast of trends, technology, and requirements in law enforcement and investigative operations.
• Evaluate assigned functions and operations and develop recommendations to improve service and efficiency.
• Assess emergency circumstances and develop, implement, and direct appropriate response strategies.
• Work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others.
• Use and care for firearms.
• Deal courteously, yet firmly and effectively, with the public in law enforcement situations.
• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics and facts of incidents.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials.
• Use computer programs for record-keeping and reporting purposes.
• Make required calculations accurately as required.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12^th) grade, supplemented by 15 college semester hours in police science, criminal justice, or a related field and two (2) years of field experience in criminal investigations at a level equivalent to Sheriff’s Investigator in Tuolumne County.   Experience in law enforcement is desirable.
 
Licenses and Certifications:
 

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a Basic Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)
• Possession of an Intermediate Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) is desirable.
• Possession and maintenance of firearms qualification.

Salary : $37 - $45