Civilian Investigative Technician

City of Columbia•Columbia, SC

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position performs duties and tasks in support of law enforcement activities in the Columbia Police Department. Duties include investigative or technical support responsibilities to include follow-up of certain reported incidents and the coordination of digital evidence submission. This position is not a sworn officer, does not carry a firearm, does not respond to in-progress criminal incidents, does not have contact with suspects, and cannot make arrests. Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, climbing, or walking extended periods. Light to moderate lifting and carrying; some crouching, stooping, squatting, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling when performing tasks. Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain. Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proofreading, data entry, tabulating data. Work is performed either in an indoor or outdoor environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions; moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as officers, community members, victims, etc.); and frequent exposure to computer screens, files and phone.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice or a related discipline OR an Associate’s degree and relevant prior experience
Prior law enforcement experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements
Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License
Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities
Ability to determine work procedures, assigning duties, maintaining harmonious relations and promoting efficiency
Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner
Pass required tests for certifications as a condition of employment
Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form
Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure
Ability to take actions of others, requiring almost constant decisions affecting coworkers, crime victims, patients, customers, clients or others in the general public; works in a moderately fluid environment with guidelines and rules, but frequent variations from the routine
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing; use tact, discretion, and sensitivity in dealing with sensitive situations

Responsibilities

Conducts follow up calls as assigned by a supervisor
Interviews witnesses or victims
Conducts follow- up investigation related to runaways, missing persons, traffic collisions or other cases as directed
May conduct basic collection and or preservation of digital evidence
Attends shift/unit meetings, seminars, and training sessions as directed to remain knowledgeable of operations and promote job performance
Works in various databases, some of which are secure/law enforcement sensitive and require CJIS security protocols
May assist in a wide variety of investigations, some of which may expose the technician to sensitive of disturbing information
Completes the proper investigative paperwork, electronic reports and police reports as assigned
Completes forms and reports in a clear, complete and legible manner
Communicates directly with the public and answers telephone calls
Prepares detailed reports including collision diagrams and reported criminal offenses
Direct traffic at collision scenes, road closures or other events requiring traffic management as necessary
Modifies work methods to meet changing priorities
Recognizes the roles and services of each City department to make appropriate referrals
Performs other related duties assigned