Criminal Investigator - Domestic Violence

City of Loveland•Loveland, CO

3d•$72,762 - $101,867

About The Position

The Criminal Investigator serves as the Department’s lead civilian investigator for domestic violence follow-up and coordinates implementation and administration of the Danger Assessment for Law Enforcement (DA-LE) program. The role identifies and coordinates high-risk cases, conducts investigative follow-up, and collaborates with prosecutors, victim advocates, and multidisciplinary partners to enhance victim safety and offender accountability. The position conducts specialized domestic violence investigations, manages assigned cases through completion, reviews DA-LE assessments, and supports the Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT) by presenting and monitoring cases involving repeat offenders or escalating violence. Duties include trauma-informed interviews, evidence collection and analysis, investigative reporting, case coordination, and assistance with search warrants and arrest affidavits. The investigator also maintains DA-LE program records, identifies trends and opportunities to improve the response, and provides staff guidance and training. The work is primarily office-based, with occasional field assignments. It involves prolonged sitting, computer use, interviewing, reviewing records, and handling digital evidence. The role may include exposure to graphic or disturbing material and interaction with individuals experiencing trauma. Occasional work outside normal hours may be required, as well as physical activities such as walking, standing, lifting, reaching, and climbing. The investigator must be available for courtroom testimony, specialized training, and case reviews.

Requirements

At least 60 college credits in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
Experience or training in criminal investigations, domestic violence response, victim services, or related fields.
Experience conducting interviews, evaluating information, preparing reports, and maintaining documentation.
Ability to manage caseloads, prioritize demands, and remain organized.
Must pass a comprehensive law enforcement background investigation.
Must maintain eligibility for access to sensitive criminal justice systems.
Must complete DA-LE training and required instructor training.
Must be able to handle sensitive and graphic material.
Must be available for courtroom testimony, specialized training, and case reviews.
Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, coercive control, risk factors, investigative principles, evidence handling, case preparation, applicable laws and procedures, victim rights, and structured domestic violence risk assessment models.
Ability to administer and evaluate the DA-LE program, identify high-risk indicators, coordinate referrals and high-risk case reviews, track outcomes, evaluate evidence, prepare defensible reports, and deliver effective training.
Ability to collaborate with investigators, prosecutors, and partners; communicate professionally with diverse individuals; maintain confidentiality and sound judgment; work with trauma victims; manage multiple investigations; and remain current on evolving domestic violence practices, risk assessments, and legal requirements.
Employment offers are conditional on an extensive background investigation, criminal, driving record and credit checks, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
Five years of law enforcement or investigative experience.
Experience investigating domestic violence offenses.
Specialized training in domestic violence investigations and trauma-informed practices.
Experience with structured domestic violence risk assessment tools, including DA-LE.
Participation in multidisciplinary domestic violence response teams.
Experience collaborating with prosecutors, advocates, and partner agencies.
Experience with records management, investigative databases, and digital evidence.
Experience preparing comprehensive investigative reports.
Courtroom testimony experience.
Experience developing or delivering law enforcement training.
Experience preparing arrest and search affidavits.

Responsibilities

Conduct specialized domestic violence follow-up investigations, including evidence collection and coordination with victims and partner agencies.
Manage assigned investigative caseloads from assignment through completion.
Coordinate implementation and ongoing administration of the DA-LE program, including reviewing assessments, identifying high-risk cases, and coordinating follow-up.
Participate in Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT) coordination by presenting and monitoring high-risk cases, including cases involving repeat offenders and escalating violence.
Collaborate with law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, and service providers.
Conduct trauma-informed interviews with victims, witnesses, and related individuals, and coordinate forensic interviews of children as needed.
Identify, collect, preserve, and analyze evidence.
Assist with investigative follow-up by corroborating statements, documenting abuse patterns, and developing leads through record checks, database inquiries, and evidence review.
Assist with preparing search warrants and arrest affidavits.
Prepare clear and accurate investigative reports and case summaries, and maintain records of DA-LE assessments, referrals, and outcomes.
Identify trends and opportunities to improve domestic violence response and provide staff guidance and training on DA-LE procedures and high-risk case identification.
Deliver community presentations on domestic violence awareness and coordinated responses.
Participate in outreach, professional development, and regional initiatives.
Testify in court regarding investigative findings as needed.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
Perform other investigative and related duties as assigned.