County Detective - District Attorney's Office

COUNTY OF LEHIGH PENNSYLVANIA•Allentown, PA

1d•$33 - $33

About The Position

This is full-performance investigative work for the County District Attorney’s Office. The County Detective conducts investigations for use in prosecuting criminal cases, including locating individuals, taking statements and gathering evidence, and conducting background checks. The position is distinguished by the criminal nature of its assigned cases and its responsibility for administrative investigations supporting other County and/or Court functions. It reports directly to a higher-level investigations position. The detective reviews and develops cases, gathers and documents information and evidence, conducts legal research as needed, and prepares investigation reports. The work also includes collaborating with law-enforcement agencies, investigating crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, following leads, testifying in court, conducting background checks for sensitive County or Court positions, and carrying out other court-ordered and law-enforcement duties.

Requirements

Education equivalent to completion of two years of full-time study after high school in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a closely related field.
Two to four years of investigations experience in a law-enforcement, criminal justice, or related organization, or an equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience providing the stated knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Possess certification issued by the Municipal Police Officer Training Commission.
Thorough knowledge of criminal investigation goals, objectives, principles, and practices.
Thorough knowledge of methods and techniques for interviewing individuals who may be resistant or hostile to providing information.
Thorough knowledge of judicial proceedings, including rules of procedure and evidence as they affect investigatory activities.
Knowledge of applicable laws, precedents, and regulations.
Skill in identifying and following up on new or additional information sources to develop comprehensive cases for the defense or prosecution.
Skill in the use and maintenance of handguns when required by work assignment.
Ability to learn and comply with statutory, regulatory, and judicial requirements and restrictions governing activities.
Ability to apprehend and detain individuals.
Ability to establish and maintain activity records and prepare reports from them.
Ability to testify in judicial proceedings about activities and findings.
A criminal background check may be required.

Responsibilities

Receive and review cases; identify and document information, determine necessary actions, and develop cases for criminal prosecution.
Compile existing information, identify potential sources of additional information, and assemble evidence to establish the facts known and needed in a case.
Conduct legal research as required for investigations.
Serve court orders, subpoenas, and warrants.
Investigate applications for parole or clemency and conduct parole reviews when assigned.
Prepare investigation reports.
Work with law-enforcement agencies on criminal investigations and visit crime scenes.
Collect photographic and other technical evidence and maintain control of the evidence trail.
Identify and locate witnesses, interview them, take statements, follow up on leads, and document information received.
Participate in pre-trial and other conferences between prosecution and defense offices concerning sentencing, plea bargaining, witnesses, and evidence.
Testify about general activities and specific findings.
Conduct background checks of employees in sensitive County or Court positions and report findings.
Maintain wire-tap equipment, install it upon court order, and follow up on results.
Investigate applicants for and complaints about Bingo and other operation licenses.
Carry out extradition orders and detainers.
Perform law-enforcement functions for internal County facilities.
Apprehend subjects on contempt charges and commit them to County prison.
Execute court-ordered writs, rules, and attachments.
Perform related work as required.