What are the responsibilities and job description for the District Attorney's Investigator position at JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION?
Summary:
District Attorney’s Investigators in the Merit System perform a variety of administrative and investigative tasks related to locating fugitives and reciprocal witnesses (e.g., obtaining and serving arrest warrants and subpoenas, gathering and compiling evidence, and ensuring witness participation in civil and criminal court cases for the District Attorney's Office) to assure timely and successful prosecution of cases. District Attorney’s Investigators gather and compile information related to their assigned cases through a variety of sources including: law enforcement databases, staff from other agencies (e.g., Parole and Probation, Police/Sheriff), witnesses, defendants, victims, etc. of wanted individuals. Individuals in this job class are responsible for producing numerous detailed reports to document all investigative activities. Work is reviewed by a Deputy District Attorney or the District Attorney to eliminate the possibility of errors during trial or appeal.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:
- Monitors the security of criminal witnesses throughout the trial process by providing safety escorts and transportation to and from the courthouse, arranging travel logistics, and providing other security measures to ensure that witnesses are able to appear for scheduled court dates.
- Assists District Attorney in court and trial preparations and proceedings by investigating and preparing case files, writing reports, participating in the discovery process, providing court testimony, and locating victims to return property or receive restitution due after a case is closed in order to bring a case to trial or close out cases after the trial.
- Conducts legal research for the District Attorney’s Office by gathering documents, taking and recording witness statements, and compiling court case files in order to ensure the district attorney’s office is prepared for court or trial proceedings.
- Coordinates activities for locating witnesses, claimants, plaintiffs, defendants, or other individuals by reviewing case files, police reports, online public profiles (e.g., social media sites), or other sources, or conducting site visits to locations in order to inform them of the requirement to appear for court or to collect their statements regarding pending investigations.
- Uses various sources and/or systems (e.g., Law Enforcement Tactical System, CLEAR, Accurint, National Crime Information Center, Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center) to research information and location of wanted information.
- Prepares reports in order to detail findings and provide facts about investigations.
- Assists and accompanies District Attorney in questioning victims and witnesses to verify what was said in case the witness changes their statement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:
- Driver’s license.
- Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training (APOST) Minimum Standards Certification.
- Experience conducting investigations of complex crimes (e.g., auto theft, robbery, homicide investigations) using established investigative procedures to include: interviewing witnesses, testifying in court, processing scenes, and supervising crime scenes.
- Experience preparing affidavits and obtaining warrants.
- Experience interacting with the public and citizens in a professional manner under high stress or a hostile/threatening environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by Merit System agencies. These qualifications may be considered by a hiring agency when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes.
- Fluency in Spanish.
- Five (5) years of experience as law enforcement supervisor.
- Ten (10) years of experience as a detective/investigator.
- Fifteen (15) years of general law enforcement experience.
Competencies
Adaptability & Flexibility; Planning & Organizing; Oral Communication & Comprehension; Written Communication & Comprehension; Learning & Memory; Technical Skills; Technical & Job Specific Knowledge; Teamwork & Interpersonal; Leadership & Management; Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Use; Sensory Abilities; Self-Management & Initiative; Customer Service; Creativity & Innovation; Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing; Researching & Referencing; Computer & Technology Operations; Psychomotor Abilities; Professionalism & Integrity; Problem Solving & Decision Making
Performance Appraisal Competencies
Oral Communication & Comprehension; Self-Management & Initiative; Adaptability & Flexibility; Researching & Referencing; Professionalism & Integrity; Problem Solving & Decision Making; Planning & Organizing; Teamwork & Interpersonal
Compensable Factors:
High School Diploma or G.E.D. and five years of experience in Investigations and detective work.
Critical Knowledges:
Knowledge of available legal reference tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and how to access them.
Knowledge of courtroom procedures and protocols for providing testimony (e.g., when you can/cannot speak or answer).
Knowledge of criminal investigative techniques (e.g., computer programs, contacts).
Knowledge of District Court systems and proceedings.
Knowledge of investigative techniques, both criminal and non-criminal, to gather information in the case of missing, unclear, or misconstrued information.
Knowledge of the different types of subpoenas (e.g., Duces Tecum, Witness, D.A.).
Knowledge of the legal guidelines pertaining to the maintenance and control of evidence.
Knowledge of the proper techniques for the care of and handling of firearms and ammunition.
Knowledge of general legal terminology.
Knowledge of courtroom procedures and protocols for providing testimony (e.g., when you can/cannot speak or answer).
Physical Demands:
Job involves physical exertion required for sustained periods of light physical activity such as walking or standing for prolonged periods. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Work involves physical ability necessary to occasionally subdue or restrain a combative individual and exercise necessary self-defense.
Work Environment:
Work is conducted both indoors in an office setting as well as regular field visits to external places of business, public spaces, and residences. Work involves use of standard office equipment, such as computer, phone, copier, etc. May involve exposure to a number of adverse or dangerous working conditions such as: exposure to inclement weather when working outdoors (e.g., extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, etc.), exposure to persons using deadly weapons (e.g., guns, knives), and exposure to potential and real physical violence.
Survey Year:
2027
Disclaimer:
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.
Pay: $60,923.20 - $94,515.20 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,923 - $94,515