Legal Unit Investigator

Reviews records and databases, along with public records as needed, to help prepare responses and prepare reports as requested by the Chief of Police or Legal Advisor as necessary to respond to City Council or as needed by the Chief or Legal Unit.  Search of TPD records and authorized data or public records. 

Ensure seized items are tracked and prepare federal and state asset seizure reports.  Oversee the Chief of Police LETF grant program.

Examine and verify vehicles at the Police Impound lot for stolen or altered vehicle identification numbers or issues regarding license plate and registration; perform diligent  searches for ownership/lien status, placement of any contraband into evidence and over-all vehicle  evaluation; utilize the facts from the case reports and supplements NCIC/FCIC and D.A.V.I.D., online data resources and information collected from the diligent search to determine if the vehicle/property is a candidate for forfeiture or if there is to be an out of court settlement.

Answer subpoenas and testify in order to facilitate prosecution of offenders.

Conduct field surveys or investigations to collect or verify information from vehicles at private impound lots in response to "Good Faith"' vehicle identification requests. Enter and assist in maintaining impounded vehicle information in the forfeiture database. 

Returns calls and enters information on related cases into forfeiture database. Completes release of property paperwork upon the receipt of a Court Order or as requested by Legal Advisor. 

Assists with forfeiture training as requested and notifies officers when issues are spotted in an investigation. 

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: operations of TPD; statistical methods and research concepts and techniques; investigative and research techniques; data research; Vehicle Identification Numbering (VIN) systems; illegal drugs and contraband; forfeiture laws and procedures; vehicle search techniques; evidence collection and storage rules and techniques.

Ability to:  draft and edit documents and settlements; gather and summarize data from TPD records or public records; examine motor vehicles to determine condition and value; identify improper VIN numbers; maintain records and prepare reports; communicate effectively; maintain confidentiality of police matters; establish and maintain effective working relationships with officers, citizens and representatives of other agencies; drives light automotive equipment (car; step-van).

Skill in: Microsoft Office (Word,Excel,PowerPoint); Adobe Pro; collection and handling of evidence; use of computers and software for research information and preparation of documents; preparing spreadsheets, graphs, memos, and documents responsive to obtained data.

Graduation from an accredited high school and three (3) years of experience in a law enforcement support or legal position which supported functions related to property seizure and/or asset forfeiture as a part of the primary duties and tasks assigned, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holiday's and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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