Investigator Ii, Public Defender

County of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Develops and carries out difficult criminal investigations to support the defense of persons represented by the Public Defender. Positions allocable to this class work in the Public Defender's Office under the technical and administrative direction of an Investigator III, Public Defender. Incumbents are assigned to conduct difficult investigations under basic investigation guidelines where they act independently analyzing evidence using a broad range of investigative techniques to develop basic or additional evidence support of the defense. Incumbents must possess skill in applying an extensive understanding of investigative procedures, court and legal proceedings, interviewing, and acquiring information from various sources, both public and private. They must also possess a detailed knowledge of the California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code, and the rules of evidence.

Requirements

• One year's investigative experience at the level of Los Angeles County's class of Investigator I, Public Defender.
• Three years law enforcement experience as a full-time police officer as defined in Section 830.1 of the Penal Code of the State of California.
• A valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment.
• Applicants will be required to provide a personal automobile and drive them in the County service.
• Applicants must be in good general physical condition, free from disease or defects that would interfere with the satisfactory fulfillment of the responsibilities of this position.
• Vision: Acuity - Minimum of 20/70 vision in each eye uncorrected, correctable to 20/30 in both eyes. Color perception - Any impairment beyond minor hue difficulty is disqualifying.
• Hearing: The better ear should have a loss no higher than 25 dB averaged across the test frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz. There may not be a peak loss at any of the test frequencies greater than: 30 dB at 500 Hz, 30 dB at 1000 Hz, 40 dB at 2000 Hz, 40 dB at 3000 Hz. There may be no greater than a 35 dB loss in the worse ear when averaged over the measured tones. No peak loss can exceed 45 dB at any tested sound level.
• In the case of a questionable, unusual, or borderline hearing loss, the applicant's record will be reviewed by the Occupational Health Service consultant in otolaryngology, who will make a recommendation as to the applicant's employability, and forward it to the Medical Director for final disposition.
• Experience is evaluated on the basis of a verifiable 40-hour workweek. Work performed part-time will be prorated on a month-for-month basis.
• To qualify under Option I, the applicant must have experience at the level of Investigator I, Public Defender. Investigator I Public Defender is defined as: Conducts criminal investigations of limited scope and complexity to assist in defending clients.
• Applicants need to achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the examination in order to be placed on the list.
• Before a final appointment is made to this position, successful candidates must acquire security clearance. This includes passing a detailed background investigation and a Live Scan fingerprint search.
• An individual may be withheld from appointment if they have a conviction record incompatible with the fundamental responsibilities of the role for which they have applied.
• Any false statement or omission of material fact may cause forfeiture of employment rights.
• Information presented on employment applications, resumes and during the examination process may be verified.
• Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.
• All applicants must file their applications online using their own user ID and password.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of California criminal law.
• Excellent verbal communications and interpersonal skills.
• Extensive knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, and Lexis Nexis.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts inquiries that assist the defense in a wide range of major adult and juvenile criminal cases. These cases may involve numerous defendants or multiple offenses.
• Examines the scene of the crime, locates and identifies material evidence, and records findings.
• Acquires information about witnesses’ locations by interviewing employers, public agencies, families, neighbors, and others.
• Acquires additional information by accessing a computerized database.
• Follow leads and locate witnesses through phone inquiries and searches of directories, utility records, motor vehicle records, and other agencies' records.
• Interviews and obtains information from witnesses and determines whether there is sufficient basis for the witness to be subpoenaed for court testimony.
• Testifies in court as the investigator of record and makes subsequent in-trial investigations, as the need arises.
• Prepares detailed reports of completed investigations to assist the defense.

Benefits

• Rich selection of health care options
• Robust retirement plans
• Flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed