Criminal Investigator

Investigate and resolve criminal and civil cases for the Pinal County Attorney's Office (PCAO), enforce state laws, work with prosecuting attorneys to prepare cases for trial, and coordinate investigations with other Federal, state and regional Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) under basic supervision.

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Enforce local, state, and Federal laws, according to Pinal County Attorney's Office (PCAO) policies and procedures, investigate criminal activities, assist other LEA's, prepare criminal cases, and make proper decisions using sound judgment.
• Conduct criminal and civil investigations and follow-up work on assigned prosecution cases and assist and coordinate with other LEA's to investigate complex and high profile cases scheduled for prosecution and litigation.
• Conduct investigations required to support charges, prepare cases for trial, prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt and assist prosecutors with development of trial tactics and witness preparation.
• Prepare criminal and civil cases, testify before the Grand Jury and at court proceedings and work with attorneys to prepare investigative information, exhibits, and evidence for court proceedings.
• Asset forfeiture cases, including, working with Law Enforcement agencies and attorneys to ensure timely investigation and lawful seizure of assets.
• Perform other investigative research as required to prepare the case for trial, anticipate probable defense strategies, prepare rebuttal evidence, manage case files, and verify accuracy and completeness of documents.
• Investigate criminal cases and criminal activities, develop, organize, maintain, and update case files, identify, collect, preserve, document, and secure evidence and property, and document all handling of evidence and property to preserve chain of custody.
• Locate and interview victims and witnesses and obtain written statements, identify and investigate similar and associated criminal cases, and assure witnesses are protected, available, and present in court as required.
• Identify probable suspects, conduct surveillance to locate and document criminal activities, prepare, obtain, and execute subpoenas, search warrants, and arrest warrants, correlate data and evidence to develop additional information on crimes and criminals, and identify, locate, interrogate, and arrest suspects.
• Respond to crime scenes as directed, process crime scenes, and analyze evidence.
• Compile data, document criminal backgrounds and investigative procedures, generate reports as required and requested, and advise supervisor regarding significant case developments.
• Maintain the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the County Attorney's Office by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• To promote and adhere to the workplace values of accountability, commitment, and teamwork to help enrich lives beyond expectation.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) years of Law Enforcement Agencies Investigator experience.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.
• Valid Arizona State Driver's License.
• Must maintain Peace Officer certification with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of County Attorney's Office policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of state and Federal laws, regulations, and statutes, including case law on rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of Arizona criminal justice and court systems, procedures, and protocols.
• Knowledge of investigative and interrogative procedures and techniques for observation and memorization of critical details.
• Knowledge of interviewing principles, including techniques for extracting information from people who are reluctant to cooperate.
• Knowledge of principles of crime scene management and proper methods of securing, handling, and preserving evidence.
• Knowledge of specialized LEA computer systems used to research crimes, maintain databases, and trace related evidence.
• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of geography, roads, and landmarks of Pinal County.
• Knowledge of principles of records management.
• Skill in interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
• Skill in interpreting and applying criminal laws to a variety of information, evidence, and other investigative data.
• Skill in analyzing complex investigative issues and developing solutions and strategies.
• Skill in managing case files, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and developing strategies to resolve and close cases.
• Skill in documenting crime scene details, collecting and preserving evidence, recognizing evidence and causes of crime, death and accidents, and remembering names, faces, and details of incidents.
• Skill in interviewing victims and witnesses and interrogating suspects.
• Skill in the care, maintenance, and safe operation of a variety of firearms, impact weapons, chemical agents, mobile data terminals, and other law enforcement tools and equipment.
• Ability to effectively manage situations requiring diplomacy, understanding, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment.
• Ability to recognize suspicious behavior patterns, mediate difficult situations, and use effective arrest and control techniques.
• Ability to follow and effectively communicate verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.