Investigator

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VISION

El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.

PURPOSE

We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.

VALUES

Service Focused

• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Trustworthy
• Transparent
  
  
  

Job Summary

Hiring Range: $70,740.00 - $75,000.00 annually

This position investigates alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, State, or Local laws for both El Paso and Teller Counties to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution. Assists prosecutors in trial preparation of cases already filed with the District Attorney’s Office. Investigators employed by the District Attorney’s Office are Peace Officers as defined by C.R.S. 16-2.5-133.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Analyzes charges, complaints, or allegations of law violations to identify issues involved and types of evidence needed. Investigators are required to thoroughly investigate each case assigned and perform all of the tasks requested, including identifying and interviewing additional witnesses and documenting additional evidence discovered during their investigation. Ensures that the elements of the crime are present and the charges are appropriate.
• Assists in determining the scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
• Works in partnership with various investigative units and agencies to prioritize criminal apprehension efforts and decrease criminal activity related to wanted individuals, including being on call at homicide scenes. Prepares arrest warrants for fugitive apprehension efforts. Develops and uses informants to get leads and information.
• Identifies, seizes, and preserves evidence as appropriate and with attention to evidence protocol, policies, and procedures.
• Establishes facts by interviewing, observing, and interrogating suspects and witnesses and analyzing records.
• Locates witnesses via available resources and in a thorough and complete manner within established deadlines.
• Performs state-wide and nationwide criminal history checks via available resources and in a thorough and complete manner within established deadlines.
• Examines records to detect links in the chain of evidence or information. Chain of evidence is maintained with attention to evidence protocol, policies, and procedures.
• Uses cameras or video recorders to record evidence and documents.
• Verifies information obtained to establish the accuracy and authenticity of facts and evidence in order to learn the truth regarding conflicting statements, to verify or refute alibis, and to obtain necessary details for a complete and accurate investigation.
• Presents findings in clear, logical, impartial, and properly documented reports.
• Transports witnesses and criminal evidence to court.
• Testifies at court hearings.
• Conducts surveillance and performs undercover assignments.
• Reports critical information to and coordinates activities with other offices or agencies when applicable.
• Makes community presentations regarding general investigative techniques to interested groups.
• Serves subpoenas or other official papers.
• Obtains and executes search and arrest warrants.
• Performs other duties as required.
  
  
  

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Investigators employed by the District Attorney’s Office are Peace Officers as defined by C.R.S. 16-2.5-133 and therefore have the authority to carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, while engaged in the performance of their duties. While employed as an Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office, investigators are required to carry a firearm on his/her person while on duty. Investigators must successfully qualify with their duty firearm a minimum of two times a year or as directed by the Chief Investigator. Investigators are authorized to carry their firearm during non-duty hours at their own discretion.
• Must possess and carry a firearm that meets the firearm protocol described in Section 4-131 of the Office of the District Attorney Policies and Procedures Manual at all times while on duty or on scene.
• Knowledge of modern investigative techniques and methods as related to federal, state and local laws ordinances.
• Knowledge of, and be able to use, Database software, Internet software and Word Processing software; must be able to use a computer to type reports.
• Demonstrated adherence to the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement and government officials.
• Ability to investigate, document, and ensure proper case preparation while developing appropriate standards, policies, and guides in the interest of Investigations and the DAO.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to read and interpret documents in English; secondary language beneficial.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups.
  
  
  

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Two years of investigation experience in a law enforcement setting.
  
  
  

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Colorado P.O.S.T. Certification required.
  
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass a post conditional offer background investigation and reference check.
  
  
  

Work Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, run or crawl. Employee is occasionally required to physically restrain combative suspects, which requires proficiency in handcuffing techniques. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The classification specification above is intended to describe the general nature of work, key responsibilities, and minimum qualifications. Minimum qualifications reflect the baseline experience required for the classification. Departments may establish additional or preferred qualifications to address operational needs, assignment complexity, and specialized functions, provided such qualifications are job-related, consistent with the intent of the classification, and as approved by the Human Resources department. Specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and working conditions may vary based on the department or office's needs and the requirements of the assigned position. Changes to this classification specification may only be made by the Human Resources Department.

El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.

El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.