Criminal Investigator - Domestic Violence

City of Loveland•Loveland, CO

About The Position

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, law enforcement, service providers, and multidisciplinary partners to enhance victim safety and offender accountability. The position manages assigned investigations from assignment through completion, reviews DA-LE assessments to identify high-risk cases, and participates in coordination of the Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT). Work includes trauma-informed interviews, evidence collection and review, documentation of abuse patterns, preparation of reports and case summaries, and assistance with search warrants and arrest affidavits. The investigator also maintains DA-LE records, identifies trends and opportunities to improve domestic violence response, and provides guidance and training to staff. The work is primarily office-based, with occasional field assignments. It includes prolonged sitting and computer use, interviewing, records review, and handling digital evidence. The position may involve exposure to graphic or disturbing material and interaction with individuals experiencing trauma. Occasional work outside normal hours may be required. Physical activities include walking, standing, lifting, reaching, and climbing. Court testimony, specialized training, and case reviews may be required. Employment offers are conditional on an extensive background investigation, criminal, driving record and credit checks, polygraph and psychological examinations, and drug screening.

Requirements

Minimum 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, and risk factors; investigative principles, evidence handling, and case preparation; laws and procedures governing domestic violence investigations and victim rights; and structured domestic violence risk assessment models.
Ability to administer and evaluate the DA-LE program, identify high-risk indicators and coordinate referrals, conduct trauma-informed interviews, evaluate evidence and prepare defensible reports, collaborate with investigators, prosecutors and partners, coordinate high-risk case reviews and track outcomes, deliver effective training, maintain confidentiality, manage multiple investigations, and stay current on domestic violence practices, risk assessments, and legal requirements.
Professional communication skills with diverse individuals and sound judgment when working with trauma victims.

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 coordination of the Domestic Violence High Risk Team by presenting and monitoring high-risk cases, including cases involving repeat offenders and escalating violence.
Collaborate with law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, service providers, and other partners.
Conduct trauma-informed interviews with victims, witnesses, and related individuals, and coordinate forensic interviews of children as needed.
Identify, collect, preserve, and analyze evidence; corroborate statements; document abuse patterns; and develop investigative leads through record checks, database inquiries, and evidence review.
Assist with preparation of 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.