City and County of San Francisco

Under direction, participates in the most difficult and complex criminal investigations under the jurisdiction of the District Attorney’s Office; functions as a working supervisor in difficult field investigations; assists in training lower level investigators and other members of the District Attorney’s staff; and performs related duties as required.

Incumbents in this class work as individuals or as members of an investigative team on the most complex and difficult cases. In addition, positions in this class function as working supervisors over subordinate investigators and may train subordinate investigators on the District Attorney’s staff. Incumbents in this class are expected to develop expertise in one or more specialized areas of criminal and investigative work.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Participates in criminal investigative work involving a wide variety of difficult and complex cases under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Investigation in the District Attorney’s Office; locates and interviews witnesses relative to criminal investigations; prepares reports for use in the evaluation and prosecution of criminal cases.

2. As assigned, may serve as a team leader in field investigations; provides training and work direction for subordinate investigators; may serve as a training officer in a specialized area of criminal investigative work; assists the Chief Investigator in the evaluation of other investigative personnel.

3. Executes search warrants and warrants of arrest; serves subpoenas and legal processes; assists in arranging for the appearance of witnesses at trials and hearings and in preparing presentations of evidence; arranges for the maintenance of security and protection of critical witnesses.

4. Investigates applicants who apply for Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon through the Superior Court; may assist the Chief Investigator in confidential and sensitive cases involving other city departments, public officials, or law enforcement personnel.

5. Provides for the preservation of data and evidence used in criminal investigations; as assigned, prepares diagrams, charts and scale drawings; photographs crime scenes and other items of evidence; may operate electronic equipment used in the collection and dissemination of information needed in connection with criminal justice system activities.

6. Makes peace officer arrests in critical or emergency situations.

Knowledge of:

Existing criminal codes and laws, investigative techniques, methods and procedures;

Information relating to preserving and presenting evidence; methods of supervision and training.

Ability to:

Handle delicate, confidential investigations with tact, resourcefulness, and good judgment;

Direct other investigators performing investigative assignments;

Prepare important records and reports;

Plan and carry out extremely important investigations and surveillances;

Serve as a staff expert in a particular area of criminal investigative work.

These minimum qualifications are to be used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Requires a combination of education at the collegiate level in criminology, penology, police science or a closely related field and responsible criminal investigative experience totaling eight years.