Pretrial Interviewer

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Bartow, FL

17h

About The Position

The Pretrial Interviewer works in the Court Services Division and interviews defendants booked into the Polk County Jail to collect demographic information for First Appearance interview documentation. The position organizes and prepares the First Appearance documentation package and other documents needed by the First Appearance Judge. This requires communicating with agencies and personnel to produce accurate, comprehensive reports describing defendants’ prior criminal histories and the demographic information collected during interviews. The role verifies information using approved investigative applications and methods, reviews defendants’ pretrial release status, and prepares required forms, reports, and memorandums. It requires knowledge of pretrial services, court operations, investigative procedures, confidential court records, penal code regulations, and jail procedures, as well as effective communication and collaboration with court, law enforcement, and community partners. The position must report to work when an emergency is declared in Polk County.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma; a comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and data management software; proficiency in Microsoft 365 and other applications.
Valid driver license and ability to secure a valid Florida driver license at the time of employment in this classification.
Knowledge of pretrial services and the organization and function of the court system, court procedures, and operations.
Working knowledge of investigative procedures and laws related to receipt, maintenance, and distribution of confidential court records.
Knowledge of penal code regulations, jail procedures, and laws and procedures relating to confidential court records.
Ability to become familiar with criminal justice agencies and applicable community resources.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with court personnel, law enforcement officials, and the public.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, meet timelines, and perform in a fast-paced, high-energy, pressurized environment.
Ability to troubleshoot and provide solutions as applicable; communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; and demonstrate strong observation and organization skills.
Regular attendance, punctuality, and integrity.
Must have personal daily transportation and a telephone; employee is subject to call.
Must be fingerprinted and undergo personal background investigation procedures to evaluate moral character.
Must successfully clear pre-employment psychological evaluations.
Must undergo an electronically submitted Level 2 (FDLE) screening before commencing work and maintain this certification as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Interview defendants booked into the Polk County Jail during the pretrial phase, including people with military or parole commission holds and sentenced prisoners transferred to the jail by order.
Collect defendants’ demographic, residence, employment, education, community ties, family, financial, military, criminal-history, health, substance-use, and reference information.
Verify information provided by defendants using applications such as CJIS and NCIC/FCIC databases or other approved investigative methods.
Review defendants’ pretrial release status during interviews and report prior open cases to the court in the First Appearance packet.
Organize and prepare First Appearance interview documentation packages and other documents required for First Appearance hearings.
Prepare and complete applicable forms, reports, and memorandums.
Communicate and work effectively with court personnel, law enforcement officials, and community partners, including the State Attorney, Public Defender, Sheriff’s Office, and community supervision agencies.
Perform related duties as required by the Supervisor and/or Director.
Report for work when an emergency has been declared in Polk County.