Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer

State of Montana•Miles City, MT

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pre-Sentence Investigation Writer works in the Probation and Parole Bureau of the Montana Department of Corrections, completing pre-sentence investigations and risk assessments and making recommendations to address offenders’ risks and needs. At the direction of district court judges, the writer investigates offenders’ personal and criminal histories, interviews offenders, victims, witnesses, and other relevant individuals, and prepares Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) and Reports of Violation (ROV) for officer review. The position requires weekly travel to the Miles City office and additional travel as needed for office operations. The writer develops sentencing and placement recommendations using investigative and communication skills, relevant laws and regulations, and cooperation with criminal justice agencies. The role also supports probation and parole officers, maintains offender and report records, assists with interstate compact eligibility assessments, tracks financial obligations and reporting schedules, compiles statistics, and attends court or testifies when required. The typical qualifications are an associate degree in criminology, human behavior, social work, or a related field and two years of law enforcement or public safety experience. Some higher education and experience in related fields, or a combination of education and experience, are preferred. Candidates must be able to type 40 words per minute.

Requirements

Associate degree in criminology, human behavior, social work, or a related field, and two years of law enforcement or public safety experience; alternatively, a combination of higher education and experience may qualify.
Ability to type 40 words per minute.
Successful applicants are subject to a criminal history check, child/patient/offender abuse registry checks, and reference checks.
Must meet the stated Prison Rape Elimination Act qualification restriction.

Nice To Haves

Some higher education in criminology, human behavior, social work, or related fields, combined with two years of law enforcement or public safety experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct pre-sentence investigations and risk and needs assessments using motivational interviewing and assessment instruments.
Interview offenders, victims, witnesses, and other people with relevant information, and document findings in PSI reports.
Investigate offenders’ personal and criminal histories through document searches and interviews.
Develop sentencing and placement recommendations based on investigative findings, applicable laws and regulations, and coordination with criminal justice agencies.
Prepare PSI and ROV reports for officer review; distribute approved reports and ensure documents are accurate, properly formatted, signed, and compliant with policies and court-ordered conditions.
Attend court on Law & Motion day, in the probation and parole officer’s absence, to obtain court dates and information for PSI and ROV reports.
Testify in court under direct and cross-examination regarding the accuracy and authenticity of report information.
Track offender reporting schedules, supervision standards, report deadlines, and offender chronos in OMIS.
Assist in determining eligibility for Interstate Compact Supervision based on community safety, compact criteria, treatment plans, residence, and receiving-state regulations.
Obtain and calculate restitution, court costs, and supervision fees; track financial obligations and communicate with offenders about their financial situation.
Enter offender information into OMIS/OMP and obtain OMIS DOC numbers.
Collect and compile statistical data, create reports, and provide information to appropriate personnel and agencies.
Assist probation and parole officers with obtaining and filing documentation for PSI and ROV reports, including police record checks and criminal records.
Assist officers in assembling and forwarding required DOC commitment documentation to the Montana State Prison records department.
Travel to the Miles City office weekly and as needed for office operations.