County of Alameda

Public Defender Investigator I (#8576)

Unit: ACMEA - PD Investigators Mgmt (R48)
$46.58-$58.10 Hourly / $3,726.40-$4,648.00 BiWeekly /
$8,073.87-$10,070.67 Monthly / $96,886.40-$120,848.00 Yearly

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DESCRIPTION

This flexibly staffed classification series specification describes the entry-level of the Public Defender Investigator series. Under close supervision, assists attorneys in the Public Defender's Office by conducting fact-finding, pre-trial and pre-sentence investigations of criminal cases, and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the entry-level paraprofessional, training classification in the Investigator flex series located in the Public Defender’s Office and reports to a Senior Investigator or the Chief Investigator. Employees learn and perform a wide range of investigative duties on misdemeanor cases, and may be assigned to assist with the investigation of felony cases, by performing less complex tasks such as serving subpoenas, gathering records and obtaining copies of radio dispatch tapes and video surveillance.

The classification of Public Defender Investigator I is distinguished from the next higher-level classification of Public Defender Investigator II in that the latter investigates both misdemeanor and felony cases, as well as complex felony cases. The Public Defender Investigator II may also be assigned to investigate homicide cases as a secondary investigator. Employees are expected to demonstrate proficiency of all aspects of Public Defender Investigator functions in order to flexibly promote to the Public Defender Investigator II classification after the equivalent of two years full-time experience and a satisfactory performance evaluation.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are typical duties performed by employees in this classification. Employees may not necessarily perform all duties listed, however, they may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.

Assists and conducts pre-trial and pre-sentence investigations of less complex cases in which persons have been charged with crimes.
Examines and diagrams all necessary measurements at crime scenes.
Gathers, marks, records, and preserves evidence; determines the importance and relevance of physical evidence in investigations under the direction of a Public Defender Investigator III, Senior Investigator, or the Chief Investigator.
Photographs crime scenes, clients’ injuries, and other case-related matters for use as evidence in cases.
Locates and copies video and other electronic evidence.
Locates and interviews witnesses.
Procures medical records and other records pertinent to defense cases.
Reviews police dispatch tapes to determine pertinent and relevant case information; copies dispatch tapes for Public Defenders.
Searches computer resources, including DMV, CRIMS, CORPUS, CASP, and the internet to locate witnesses, experts, and professionals, and obtains other case information.
Compiles information from witness interviews and other record reviews relevant to the defense. Generates written reports upon completion of the fact-finding process; submits written reports to Public Defenders on witness’ knowledge of material facts.
Confers with Public Defenders on case-related matters.
Prepares demonstrative evidence such as diagrams, charts, photographs, and computer presentations for use in court.
Testifies in court regarding facts established by investigations.
Serves subpoenas and legal process for the Public Defender’s Office.
Makes arrangements or transports witnesses to and from court.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Successful completion of 60 semester, or 90 quarter, units from an accredited college or university, which included the equivalent of at least 24 semester, or 36 quarter, units in criminal justice, criminology, forensics, or a closely related field such as political science, sociology, psychology, or journalism.

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience working in the criminal justice field in an investigative or enforcement capacity, such as a peace officer, probation officer, investigator, or investigative assistant.

Substitution:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, forensics, or a closely related field such as political science, sociology, psychology or journalism from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the year of required experience.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License is required.

Special Requirements:

Ability and willingness to work irregular hours as individual investigations demand.

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Ability and willingness to travel out of town, state, or country, and stay overnight to complete job assignments.

Must provide fingerprints for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.

Depending on the nature of the conviction, a criminal record may result in disqualification.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

Interviewing techniques and procedures, skip tracing techniques, and California State laws as they relate to the service of subpoenas and the treatment of witnesses.
California criminal court structure and procedures.
The purpose and organization of the Public Defender's Office.
Techniques employed in diagramming and making demonstrative evidence to be presented in court.

Ability to:

Establish rapport with a great variety of people, judge the credibility of witnesses, and be objective in fact-finding.
Diagram crime scenes.
Operate a camera (digital or otherwise).
Maintain composure and professionalism under stressful conditions.
Keep accurate records and write clear, concise and grammatically correct reports.
Organize and manage a full misdemeanor caseload.
Communicate effectively with the public, and coworkers, including attorneys and other staff members.
Locate and record police radio dispatch calls, video, and other electronic evidence.
Interview effectively and analytically.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspec: 8576

IC:cs 9/16/16

CSC Date: 11/22/16

SK:saa Revised 03/10/26

CSC Date:4/29/26

BENEFITS

The County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall wellbeing. These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
Vision or Vision Reimbursement
Share the Savings
Basic Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
County Allowance Credit
Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

12 paid holidays
Floating Holidays
Vacation and sick leave accrual
Vacation purchase program
Management Paid Leave**
Catastrophic Sick Leave
Pet Insurance
Commuter Benefits Program
Guaranteed Ride Home
Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
Child Care Resources
1st United Services Credit Union

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement. This provides a summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

**Employees in management-designated classifications may be entitled to management paid leave. Refer to the applicable MOU or Salary Ordinance for more information.