Investigator - PDD Boston & Roxbury

Committee for Public Counsel Services•Boston, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Defender Division of Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking an Investigator for the Roxbury Defenders Unit (RDU). Investigators conduct criminal defense investigations and aid in trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys in Municipal, District, and Superior Court cases in Suffolk County. Investigators are key members of the defense team who assist in developing defense strategies for indigent persons charged with criminal offenses by interviewing witnesses, documenting crime scenes, and later testifying in court. This position will be seated in the RDU but will also support the Boston Office and work throughout Suffolk County. CPCS fights for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for the rights of individuals and promoting just public policy to protect the rights of all. CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters. The Roxbury Defenders’ Office, formerly known as the Roxbury Defenders’ Committee, was founded in 1971 by a group of African American attorneys. Its mission was to provide legal services to Roxbury residents who were not adequately represented. The Office has been staffed over the years by many attorneys who have achieved prominence as trial lawyers, judges, elected officials, and community leaders. The Office continues to provide excellent and zealous representation to the greater Roxbury Community, representing clients in the Suffolk Superior Court, and Roxbury, Dorchester, and West Roxbury Divisions of the Boston Municipal Court. From its inception the Office has been integrally involved in the local community; members of the Office participate in various local activities and organizations to improve the welfare of its clients and the people in the area. The Office continues to strongly believe in community engagement and partnership to assist clients as they navigate the criminal legal system. Public Defender Investigators are key members of the defense team and are responsible for conducting criminal defense investigations and trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys as well as assisting in developing defense strategy for indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in the Municipal, District, and Superior courts in Suffolk County. Investigators work under the direction of the Attorney-in-Charge, the Director of Investigations, and the Supervising Investigator and work collaboratively with other staff investigators, Attorneys-in-Charge, and CPCS Administration. This position will be seated in the RDU but will also support the Boston Office and work throughout Suffolk County.

Requirements

Associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, forensics, law or related area of study
A minimum of three years of experience in criminal defense investigations or a related investigative field which primarily involves the interviewing of persons, obtaining facts, inspection of records and writing reports
An equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills
Must possess a valid and active Massachusetts driver’s license and have full access to a dependable automobile
Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of investigatory experience
Experience with Microsoft Office, internet databases, online searches and databases, and camera and video equipment
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
Good analytical and time-management skills
Bilingual abilities preferred
Adjusting scheduled hours to work outside of regular business hours, e.g., on nights and weekends, is required with some regularity
Ability to be flexible due to unexpected and times sensitive issues requiring immediate attention is essential

Responsibilities

Locating and interviewing cooperative and, at times, uncooperative witnesses, alleged victims, and clients
Investigating crime scenes, commonly located in neighborhoods that have been designated as ‘high crime areas’ by local law enforcement agencies
Preparing and presenting oral and/or written reports based upon interviews and/or information obtained during the course of the investigation
Conducting surveillance
Measuring, diagramming, and photographing locations where crimes may have taken place and/or any location appropriate to the defense strategy
Utilizing computers for on-line access to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, public records, databases, social networking sites, and various online searches
Keeping accurate records of all phases of the investigation, and being accountable for all aspects of the investigation
Testifying in court as needed
Networking and maintaining personal contact with individuals in various agencies, including, but not limited to, police departments, courts, state agencies, private sector agencies, and others to facilitate access to information necessary to the defense of a case
Reviewing and analyzing police reports and witness statements
Maintaining open lines of communication with attorneys as to investigative updates and case strategy and meeting all deadlines associated with cases
Maintaining professional and productive relationships with attorneys
Evaluating individuals and factual situations to aid the attorney in preparing and presenting a defense to the criminal charges
Advising attorneys regarding changes and developments in investigative tools and techniques
Developing familiarity with Massachusetts criminal laws and rules of criminal procedure
Serving summonses on witnesses and document record keepers
Arranging timely appearance of witnesses at court by keeping them “on call” and when necessary providing transportation for clients and/or witnesses to court or other facilities
Preparing exhibits for trials and hearings
Ability to work independently and outside of normal business hours as needed
Participating in training programs for attorneys, as well as investigators
Other duties as assigned