Investigator - PDD Springfield

Committee for Public Counsel Services•Springfield, MA

About The Position

The Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking an Investigator for its Springfield Office. Investigators conduct criminal defense investigations and trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys representing indigent people charged with criminal offenses. They are key members of the defense team, helping develop defense strategies through witness interviews, crime-scene documentation, records review, and other investigative work, and may testify in court. The position serves cases in Municipal, District, and Superior courts. 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 Springfield Office provides public defense services for Hampden County and is described as a close-knit workplace with a culture of teamwork and cooperation. The office has new facilities near the courthouse, free parking, and in-house social service advocates, investigators, and administrative assistants. The successful candidate will be subject to background checks, including CORI and driving-history reviews. Work outside regular business hours, including nights and weekends, is required with some regularity; flexibility to respond to unexpected, time-sensitive issues is essential.

Requirements

Associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, forensics, law, or a related field, plus at least three years of experience in criminal defense investigations or a related investigative field primarily involving interviewing people, obtaining facts, inspecting records, and writing reports; an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills may qualify.
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 to work outside regular business hours, including nights and weekends, with some regularity.
Flexibility to address unexpected, time-sensitive issues requiring immediate attention.
Successful completion of background checks, including CORI and driving-history reviews.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual abilities.

Responsibilities

Locate and interview cooperative and, at times, uncooperative witnesses, alleged victims, and clients.
Investigate crime scenes, including locations designated as high-crime areas by local law enforcement.
Prepare and present oral and/or written reports based on interviews and information gathered during investigations.
Conduct surveillance.
Measure, diagram, and photograph crime locations and other locations relevant to the defense strategy.
Use computers to access Registry of Motor Vehicles information, public records, databases, social networking sites, and online searches.
Maintain accurate records of all phases of investigations and remain accountable for all aspects of investigative work.
Testify in court as needed.
Network and maintain contacts at police departments, courts, state agencies, private-sector agencies, and other organizations to facilitate access to information needed for case defense.
Review and analyze police reports and witness statements.
Keep attorneys informed about investigative updates and case strategy, meet case deadlines, and maintain professional, productive relationships with attorneys.
Evaluate individuals 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 timely court appearances for witnesses, keep witnesses on call, and when necessary transport clients or witnesses to court or other facilities.
Prepare exhibits for trials and hearings.
Work independently and outside normal business hours as needed.
Participate in training programs for attorneys and investigators.
Perform other duties as assigned.