Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates and supervises the activities of the criminal investigation staff of the Public Defenders office; conducts the more complex or sensitive investigations of criminal and civil law matters in the Public Defenders office; performs related duties as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This classification is characterized by the management, administrative and operational responsibility of the Investigations Division of the Public Defenders Office. The incumbent assists the Public Defender in establishing the methods and techniques required to implement policies and investigative program operations.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Receives general direction from the Public Defender.
Exercises supervision over professional, technical and clerical staff.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Methods, techniques and procedures employed in crime detention, criminal investigations and preservation of evidence.
The California Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Health and Safety Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, Evidence Code, Election Code, Business and Professions Code, Government Code and other state ad federal laws and case law as applicable to criminal and civil investigations.
Methods and techniques of investigation.
Laws of search, seizure and arrest; rules of evidence.
Courtroom practices and procedures.
Interviewing and interrogation techniques; investigative report writing techniques.
Techniques for identification, evaluation and preservation of evidence; crime scene search and reconstruction techniques.
Witness protection practices.
Law enforcement/criminal justice and other automated information systems used in criminal investigation activities.
Criminal lab procedures.
Skill to:
Operate office equipment including a personal computer, copy and fax machines and printers as well as audio/visual equipment, and other equipment used in essential functions.
Operate automated information systems.
Operate and maintain cameras and other investigative equipment.
Use firearms.
Ability to:
Plan, organize, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff;
Conduct complex and highly sensitive investigations; review and evaluate complex investigative reports, statements and complaints to determine appropriate action; maintain accurate records and document actions taken; prepare thorough and concise investigative reports.
Work as part of the defense team; obtain information from interviews and interrogations.
Make decisions and independent judgments; determine the appropriate course of action in emergency and/or stressful situations.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Collect and analyze data to draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
Comply with laws, regulations and professional practices governing investigative operations.
Secure cooperation and teamwork among law enforcement agents from other jurisdictions.
Prioritize work assignments.
Develop and use informant relationships.
Testify in court; provide protection to witnesses; make arrests.
Understand and apply laws and ordinances, departmental policies, rules and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; maintain confidentiality of information.
Education and Experience
Experience:
Five years of progressively responsible investigative and supervisory experience in criminal investigations. Education/Training:
Bachelors Degree is required from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice or a closely related field.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license is required
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).
Sensory Requirements: Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities and differences between shade, degree or value of colors, shapes, sounds, forms, textures or physical appearance associated with job-related objects, materials, tasks or people.
Environmental Factors: Requires the ability to work under conditions where exposure to environmental factors poses a moderate risk of moderate injury or illness.
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