Investigator - PDD Springfield

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Springfield, MA

About The Position

The Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts’ 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. They assist in developing defense strategies for indigent people charged with criminal offenses and support cases in Municipal, District, and Superior courts. The posting initially describes work in Hampden County, though its position overview refers to Suffolk County. Investigators locate and interview witnesses, alleged victims, and clients; gather and analyze information; inspect records; document crime scenes; and prepare reports and trial materials. They may conduct surveillance, search databases and social media, serve summonses, coordinate witness appearances, transport clients or witnesses when needed, and testify in court. The role involves regular communication with attorneys, meeting case deadlines, and working collaboratively with investigators and other CPCS staff. The position reports to the Attorney-in-Charge, Director of Investigations, and Supervising Investigator. It requires independent work, including outside normal business hours as needed, and flexibility to respond promptly to time-sensitive matters. The successful candidate will be subject to background checks, including CORI and driving history reviews.

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 interviewing people, obtaining facts, inspecting records, and writing reports; 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 to work outside regular business hours, including nights and weekends, with some regularity.
Flexibility to address unexpected, time-sensitive issues requiring immediate attention.

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 obtained during investigations.
Conduct surveillance.
Measure, diagram, and photograph crime locations and other locations relevant to the defense strategy.
Use computers to access the Registry of Motor Vehicles, public records, databases, social networking sites, and other online search resources.
Keep accurate records of all phases of investigations and remain accountable for investigative work.
Testify in court as needed.
Network and maintain contact with individuals at police departments, courts, state agencies, private-sector agencies, and other organizations to facilitate access to case information.
Review and analyze police reports and witness statements.
Keep attorneys updated on investigations and case strategy, meet case deadlines, and maintain productive professional 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 witness appearances in court, keep witnesses on call, and provide transportation for clients or witnesses to court or other facilities when necessary.
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.