Criminal Investigator

City of Mathis • Mathis, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Criminal Investigator works within the department to maintain and enforce District and State policies, directives, standards, and laws. The position is responsible for investigations, crime scenes, evidence recovery and handling, and sending narcotics evidence to the Texas Department of Public Safety Laboratory for processing. The investigator prepares oral and written reports, enforces state traffic and criminal laws and city ordinances, presents cases in court, and works closely with the City Attorney, County Attorney, and District Attorney. The investigator serves as custodian of evidence and is on call 24 hours a day for major incidents.

The role responds to emergency radio calls and investigates crimes, accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing persons, prowlers, and drug abuse. It also assists the public in emergencies and non-emergencies, administers first aid, requests medical response, performs crisis intervention, educates the public about laws and ordinances, and directs citizens to appropriate authorities. The investigator interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects; collects and documents evidence; provides case-status feedback; appears in court and testifies; maintains records and proficiency with police and investigative equipment; and performs special assignments in investigations, crime prevention, and traffic enforcement. Additional duties may be assigned by the supervisor.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with mandatory call-ins and/or overtime. The investigator must be able to work shift work, stand for long periods, work in adverse weather, and be on call. The position supervises other employees and must be able to act in the Lieutenant’s absence.

Requirements

• Minimum Basic Peace Officer License.
• At least 3 years of experience in investigations and a supervisory position.
• Must be TCOLE certified.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Ongoing investigations and crime-scene training.
• Proficiency with firearms.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Good work history.
• Demonstrated leadership.
• Ability to act in the Lieutenant’s absence.
• Endorsement for supervision.
• If applicable, honorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces after at least 24 months of active-duty service.
• Must never have been convicted of a family violence offense.
• Must not be prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle or possessing firearms or ammunition.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Subject to a background investigation and interview before appointment by representatives of the appointing authority.
• Must be able to work shift work, stand for long periods, work in adverse weather, and be on call.
• Must be declared physically sound and free of defects that may adversely affect job performance, with no trace of drug dependency or illegal drug use, and in satisfactory psychological and emotional health based on professionally recognized examination standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and manage crime scenes, evidence recovery, and property handling.
• Serve as custodian of evidence and submit narcotics evidence to the Texas Department of Public Safety Laboratory for processing.
• Prepare oral and written reports and maintain clear, concise records of activities.
• Enforce state traffic and criminal laws and city ordinances.
• Present cases in court and work with the City Attorney, County Attorney, and District Attorney.
• Observe, report, and act on conditions conducive to crime and danger.
• Assess calls, investigate circumstances, and take necessary or prudent action using independent judgment.
• Assist the public in emergency and non-emergency situations; administer first aid, request medical response, perform crisis intervention, educate the public, and direct citizens to appropriate authorities.
• Respond to emergency radio calls and investigate accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing persons, prowlers, and drug abuse; take appropriate law enforcement action.
• Interview witnesses, victims, and suspects; collect and document evidence; and provide case-status feedback to appropriate people.
• Appear in court and testify in criminal or civil matters within the investigator’s knowledge.
• Maintain proficiency with police and investigative equipment.
• Perform special assignments related to investigations, crime prevention, and traffic enforcement.
• Supervise other employees and act in the Lieutenant’s absence.
• Remain available on call for major incidents and work mandatory call-ins and/or overtime.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Certificate pay: Intermediate $100 per month ($1,200 per year), Advanced $200 per month ($2,400 per year), and Master $300 per month ($3,600 per year).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED