Investigator, Public Defender

Fulton County • Various Locations In Fulton County, GA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to perform professional investigative work for the Office of the Public Defender to support the representation of indigent clients of Fulton County. Work involves providing support, resources, and security to assigned Assistant Public Defenders prior to, during, and after felony criminal, appeals, and juvenile cases. This classification is distinguished from the series by the level of casework assigned and the greater degree of supervision and guidance provided. Positions in the Investigator, P.D. classification typically investigate routine felony and juvenile cases.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field required; supplemented by three years of experience in law enforcement or other investigative fields; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.
• Requires knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal laws and statutes, court rules and procedures, and methods and techniques used to conduct criminal investigations.
• Requires knowledge of the geography of the metropolitan Atlanta area.
• Requires interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interview, interrogate, persuade, or otherwise interact in the course of investigative work.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certification is not required but will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assists assigned Assistant Public Defenders in conducting investigations and preparing cases for hearings and trial: reviews case files and identifies investigative tasks; drafts and executes court orders for evidence; collects, secures, and analyzes evidence, ensuring chain of custody is maintained; utilizes various investigative tools, resources, and programs to obtain necessary information; photographs or draws crime scenes; assists with home evaluations; compiles witness lists; consults with Assistant Public Defenders regarding defense; and testifies in court.
• Identifies, locates, serves subpoenas, and ensures court appearances of clients, victims, and lay and professional witnesses involved in felony and juvenile cases; assists with interviewing clients, victims, and witnesses and obtaining their full cooperation; and serves as translator for attorneys.
• Transports and provides security for attorneys, transport attorneys, clients, social workers, and witnesses as needed.
• Provides assistance and advocacy to indigent clients: provides information and updates regarding case status and court proceedings; and provides referrals and information to assist clients.
• Communicates and collaborates with various groups and agencies including law enforcement, clients, victims, witnesses, families of clients and witnesses, judges, attorneys court personnel, and the general public to gather information and details about a case, coordinate investigative efforts, or raise public awareness.
• Prepares, gathers, reviews, compiles, and processes a variety of documents and information related to investigative activities: gathers and compiles necessary information including incident reports, certified prior convictions, criminal histories, crime lab information, defendant, victim and witness statements, interrogation/interview footage, and medical records; reviews financial records, crime lab reports, patient records, and other investigative information; drafts investigative reports, case summaries, evidence requests, and related documents.
• Stays abreast of criminal investigative techniques and practices, crime trends, and courtroom procedures; attends seminars and training courses; obtains various criminology certifications.
• Operates or uses various equipment, tools, and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates motor vehicle, cameras, radios, surveillance equipment, and other power or motorized equipment; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Performs other related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level