Investigator - PDD Springfield

Committee for Public Counsel•Springfield, MA

8d•$59,893 - $96,855

About The Position

The Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts’s public defender agency, is seeking an Investigator for its Springfield Office. Investigators are key members of defense teams and conduct criminal defense investigations and trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys representing indigent people charged with criminal offenses. The role involves developing defense strategies through witness interviews, fact gathering, records review, crime-scene documentation, database and social-media searches, and court testimony. The position supports cases in Municipal, District, and Superior courts; the posting also describes the Springfield office as serving Hampden County. Investigators work under the direction of the Attorney-in-Charge, Director of Investigations, and Supervising Investigator, and collaborate with staff investigators, Attorneys-in-Charge, and CPCS Administration. The work may take place in neighborhoods designated by local law enforcement as high-crime areas. The schedule requires some regularity in working outside normal business hours, including nights and weekends, and flexibility to address urgent, time-sensitive matters. CPCS provides representation in matters where appointment of counsel is constitutionally or statutorily required. The agency emphasizes zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, cultural competence, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Springfield office is described as a close-knit, team-oriented office with new facilities near the courthouse, free parking, and in-house social service advocates, investigators, and administrative assistants.

Requirements

Associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, forensics, law, or a related area, plus at least three years of experience in criminal defense investigations or a related investigative field primarily involving interviews, fact gathering, records inspection, and report writing; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills.
A bachelor’s degree may substitute for up to two years of investigative experience.
Valid and active Massachusetts driver’s license and full access to a dependable automobile.
Access to home internet sufficient to work remotely.
Experience with Microsoft Office, internet databases, online searches and databases, and camera and video equipment.
Strong interpersonal skills and effective oral and written communication.
Good analytical and time-management skills.
Ability to adjust scheduled hours and work outside regular business hours, including nights and weekends, with some regularity.
Flexibility to respond to unexpected, time-sensitive issues requiring immediate attention.
Ability to work independently as needed.
Successful candidate must undergo a background check, including CORI and driving-history reviews.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual abilities.

Responsibilities

Locate and interview cooperative and uncooperative witnesses, alleged victims, and clients.
Investigate crime scenes, including locations in neighborhoods designated as high-crime areas by local law enforcement.
Prepare and present oral and/or written reports based on interviews and information obtained during investigations.
Conduct surveillance.
Measure, diagram, and photograph crime locations and other locations relevant to defense strategy.
Use computers to access the Registry of Motor Vehicles, public records, databases, social networking sites, and online searches.
Maintain accurate records of all phases of investigations and accountability for investigative work.
Testify in court as needed.
Network and maintain contact with police departments, courts, state agencies, private-sector agencies, and others to facilitate access to information needed for case defense.
Review and analyze police reports and witness statements.
Communicate investigative updates and case strategy to attorneys and meet case deadlines.
Maintain professional and productive relationships with attorneys.
Evaluate people and factual situations to assist attorneys in preparing and presenting a defense.
Advise attorneys about changes and developments in investigative tools and techniques.
Develop familiarity with Massachusetts criminal laws and rules of criminal procedure.
Serve summonses on witnesses and document record keepers.
Arrange witnesses’ timely court appearances, keeping them on call and, when necessary, providing transportation for clients or witnesses to court or other facilities.
Prepare exhibits for trials and hearings.
Work independently and outside normal business hours when needed.
Participate in training programs for attorneys and investigators.
Perform other duties as assigned.