District Attorney Investigator

St. Croix County•Hudson, WI

5d•$32 - $45

About The Position

The primary role of the District Attorney Investigator will generally consist of completing any required investigations for cases that have already been referred to the District Attorney’s Office, but which need additional investigation. This is a part-time position; the District Attorney Investigator is a licensed law enforcement officer with general police powers within the County under the authority of the District Attorney and takes day to day direction from the District Attorney and other prosecutors. The primary duties include assisting the DA’s office with investigation of criminal cases referred to the office. The District Attorney Investigator will conduct annual scenario training and firearm qualifications with the Sherriff’s Office. The District Attorney investigator may be required or offered the opportunity to attend conferences paid for by the District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney Investigator will comply with the policies and standards of investigators for the Sheriff’s Office, unless otherwise informed in writing by the District Attorney.

Requirements

Must be a certified or certifiable Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Wisconsin.
5 years full time law enforcement experience, preference given to prior Investigative experience.
Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Must pass a character background investigation as required by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board.
Pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Associate degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, Sociology or a related field OR a minimum of 60 college level credit hours.
Ability to provide effective and credible testimony in a court of law.
Ability to cooperate with staff and the public.
Ability to maintain a professional manner when dealing with the public.
Ability to comprehend, retain and apply County and state policies and legislation, i.e. County ordinances, procedure manuals, etc.
Thorough knowledge of police investigative principles and techniques of identification.
Thorough knowledge of evidence rules and search and seizure laws.
Thorough knowledge of the County's geography and location of important buildings.
Skill in the use of firearms, chemical agents, weapons of defense, and operation of a motor vehicle.
Possession of physical agility and endurance.
Ability to analyze evidence.
Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility.
Ability to question and interview skillfully.
Ability to organize and prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
Knowledge of the criminal code and related laws, the law enforcement system, and court procedure in juvenile and criminal matters.
Knowledge of investigative principles and practices including evidence collection and preservation, principles of chain of evidence, and general police procedures.
Ability and skill to make appropriate decisions quickly.
Ability and skill to accurately interpret individuals' mental and physical conditions.
Ability and skill to perform effectively under ever present stressful conditions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of people, with ability to relate firmly, fairly, and in an appropriate manner with people of all ages and social, economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds in speaking with them to gather information and conduct investigations.
Possess knowledge and be proficient in the use of police equipment including, but not limited to personal computer, handcuffs, emergency and communications equipment, crime scene investigation kit, cameras, radios, and any other assigned equipment used in the course of performing duties.
Ability to safely perform occasional physical encounters which may be necessary related to self-defense, defense of fellow officers, apprehending criminal suspects, and protecting public safety.
Must be able to work the allocated hours of the position.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals, including the public, colleagues, and supervisors.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reports.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate written communications, including reports, correspondence, and documentation, tailored to the audience’s needs.
Ability to engage with the public, handle inquiries, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with a diverse population.
Basic mathematical calculation skills.
Ability to prepare, recommend and monitor an operating budget, including line-item budgeting.
Ability to identify and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to make decisions that are sound, well-informed, and timely, even in stressful situations.
Ability to analyze situations, consider various perspectives, and make recommendations or decisions based on logical reasoning.
Ability to assess situations, anticipate potential issues, and make decisions that minimize risk.
Ability to analyze facts, interpret complex information, recognize patterns, exercise sound judgment, and understand the implications of actions or decisions.
Ability to think conceptually and understand the relationships between ideas that are not immediately obvious.
Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of open records law and other applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.

Nice To Haves

5 years full time law enforcement experience, preference given to prior Investigative experience.

Responsibilities

Assists criminal investigations and prosecutions at the direction of the District Attorney
Conducts investigations, interviews and general case follow-up.
Conducts background checks for witnesses and jury panels.
Runs TIME system queries.
Locates witnesses, collects evidence, authors and serves search warrants and document subpoenas.
Other duties as directed by the District Attorney or their designee.
Conducts criminal and civil investigations including gathering information relative to the act committed.
Ability to conduct interviews of victims and witnesses, some of whom may be children or elderly. Others who may be injured or severely traumatized by the circumstances involved. Interviews may be of long duration and under varying conditions due to weather, location, and time of day.
Ability to interview/question suspects of criminal activity with control of emotion and personal involvement in case of severe circumstances.
Extensive knowledge of criminal law and a thorough understanding of elements of an offense to be used in interview techniques and development of actual charging documents.
Knowledge of search warrants and application process. Ability to draft, execute, and process for return search warrants and related documents.
Demonstrate the ability to manage cases both of short and long duration, keep accurate notes and records of case progression and transformation to officer reports that reflect orderly and chronological the sequence of events, interviews, and progression of cases up and to conclusion by apprehension, arrest, refer for charges, or other acceptable disposition.
Ability to travel as required to conduct investigations, process and deliver evidence, and assist other agencies and jurisdictions. Travel may include distances and circumstances that require overnight stays and/or periods exceeding the normal workday. Consecutive hours of 16, 24, or more hours may be required under exigent or extreme circumstances. Travel may include transporting victims and witnesses to and from court for testimony.
Processes evidence, prepares cases for court and attends court.
Knowledge, skills, and ability to collect evidence following prescribed guidelines outlined in the handbook "Physical Collection of Evidence" as published by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Ability and understanding on how to collect/preserve samples for DNA testing including, but not limited to, hair, blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids.
Ability and understanding on how to collect/preserve fingerprints, shoe or foot impressions, tool impressions, tire prints, and other related physical evidence under various weather conditions and circumstances out of the Investigators direct control.
Once collected, the ability to secure, preserve, and prepare evidence for further testing. Maintain chain of custody up to and including presentation and testimony in court.
Understanding of the services provided and limitations of various testing facilities, including private labs and State run crime labs.
Obtain detailed statements and prepare precise and accurate reports of investigative findings; investigate and interview victims, witnesses and suspects to obtain information on the nature of the crime that occurred.
Submit timely and accurate reports on case progression. Individual supplement reports should reflect the activity of the case.
Knowledge and ability to complete various reports and documents in the course of criminal and other investigations. Includes but not limited to: Death Report, Evidence Transmittal Document, Application for Search Warrant and document subpoenas, Evidence Logs and Tags, Miranda Warning, Medical Release Form, Juvenile Referral, Crime Scene Logs, NCIC, CIB Entry, Application for Arrest Warrant
Takes statements by telephone and in person.
Testify at preliminary hearings when another officer is unable to appear.
Make arrests.
Assist law enforcement agencies in death and other major investigations when requested.
Provide security for the District Attorney’s Office and its staff members and assist with courtroom security when needed.
Participate in required trainings to maintain law enforcement certification.
Investigate open meeting law violations.
Assist as a trainer for other law enforcement when requested.
Attend community meetings to educate members of the public on criminal justice when requested.
Act as a liaison between the District Attorney’s Office and other local law enforcement.
Enforces all state and county laws.
Knowledge and ability to understand State laws and County ordinances and apply to cases being investigated.
Understand and articulate elements of a crime/offense. Clearly identify in Officer reports and court testimony what constitutes the offense being charged.
Act as a resource and assist patrol in interpreting statute for criminal and other cases being investigated.
In extreme or exigent circumstances, respond to assist emergency situations that involve the risk of death or great bodily harm.