County Detective - District Attorney's Office

COUNTY OF LEHIGH PENNSYLVANIA•Allentown, PA

4d•$33 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

This is investigations' work at the full performance level for the County's District Attorney's office. A position in this class conducts investigations for use in prosecuting criminal cases. Work includes locating individuals, taking statements and evidence, and conducting background checks. A position in this class is differentiated from those in closely related ones by the criminal nature of the cases assigned and the administrative investigation responsibility for other County and/or Court functions. A position in this class reports directly to a higher-level investigations position.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of criminal investigation goals and objectives, principles and practices.
Thorough knowledge of methods and techniques commonly employed in interviewing individuals who may be resistant and/or hostile to providing information.
Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of judicial proceedings, including rules of procedure and evidence as they affect investigatory activities.
Knowledge of applicable laws, precedents and regulations.
Skill in the identification and follow up of new or additional sources of information required in developing comprehensive cases for use by the defense or the 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 records of activities and to prepare reports from same.
Ability to testify in judicial proceedings to activities and findings.
Education equivalent to completion of two years of full-time study at the post high-school level in criminal justice, law enforcement or a closely related field.
Two to four years investigations experience in a law-enforcement, criminal justice or related organization.
Possession of Certification issued by the Municipal Police Officer Training Commission.

Nice To Haves

Any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities cited above.

Responsibilities

Receives and reviews cases to identify and document information, determine action needed and develops cases for use in prosecuting criminal charges.
Compiles existing information noting real or potential sources for further information.
Assembles evidence of any nature to determine the facts known and needed in a case.
Does legal research as required for investigations.
Serves court orders, subpoena and/or warrants.
May investigate applications for parole or clemency and parole reviews.
Prepares reports of investigations.
Works with law-enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.
Visits crime scene.
Takes photographic and other technical evidence.
Ensures control of evidence trail.
Identifies and locates witnesses.
Interviews and takes statements from witnesses.
Follows up on leads established in such interviews, regardless of the location, time of day or specific circumstances involved.
Documents all such information received.
May take part in pre-trial and other conferences between the prosecution and the defense offices, regarding sentencing, plea bargaining, witnesses for the parties and evidence to be presented.
Testifies to general activities and/or specific findings.
Conducts background checks of employees in sensitive County or Court positions.
Makes reports of findings.
Maintains wire-tap equipment.
Installs such equipment upon court order.
Follows up on results.
Investigates applicants for and complaints about licenses for Bingo and other operations.
Carries out extradition orders and detainers.
Carries out law-enforcement functions for internal County facilities.
Apprehends subjects on contempt charges.
Commits such subjects to County prison.
Executes court-ordered writs, rules and attachments.
Performs related work as required.