Investigator - PDD Fall River & New Bedford

Committee for Public Counsel•Fall River, MA

4d•$59,893 - $96,855•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 Fall River Office. Investigators conduct criminal defense investigations and aid in trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys in District and Superior Court cases in Bristol 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 Fall River but will also support the New Bedford Office and work throughout Bristol 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 committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of its assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. 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 Fall River PDD office provides public defense services in Bristol County. The office is in the Sagamore Mill building in the North End of Fall River. Attorneys assigned to the Office represent clients in the Fall River and Attleboro District Courts and in the Fall River Superior Court. The Trial Attorneys are supported by staff that includes investigators, social service advocates and administrative assistants. The ability to represent clients is enhanced by the fact that the juvenile division (the Youth Advocacy Division) and the Children and Family Law division of CPCS for Bristol County are in the same office building as the PDD office. The Office is close-knit with a strong culture of teamwork and cooperation and is led by experienced trial attorneys.

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; or 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.
A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of investigatory experience.

Nice To Haves

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.