Pretrial Officer (Intake & Investigation) Night Shift - Charlotte County

Florida State Courts•Fort Myers, FL

70d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pretrial Officer (Intake & Investigation Unit) performs professional investigative work around the clock to provide quality and timely information to the criminal courts, which supports the judicial decision to release or detain the defendant. Pretrial Officers in the Intake & Investigation unit conduct a full intake/investigation on defendants as a part of the booking process into the jail. Pretrial Officers verify the inmate's intake information and produce a quality first appearance report that is used by the judges as they make their pretrial release decisions. The Pretrial Officer (Intake & Investigation Unit) reports directly to the Criminal Division Director.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, public information or a related field
Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience
Knowledge of Charlotte County Court System and area substance abuse and mental health providers
Ability to work the required hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., (4) nights per week at the Charlotte County jail; including evenings, weekends & holidays
Ability to work with individuals who may be under the influence of intoxicants and/or may be hostile or mentally ill in order to complete the required interview questions
Ability to obtain & maintain NCIC/FCIC certification (which is required within 30 days of hire)
Ability to obtain & maintain Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP) Certification within 1 year of hire
Valid Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record (which is required within 10 days of hire)
Methods, practices, principles, procedures and techniques used in interviewing and investigating as it pertains to the operation of the department
Social casework principles and methods
Basic structure of the criminal justice system
Local, state and federal guidelines, rules, regulations and statutes as they pertain to the pretrial operation
Computer applications, including but not limited to: Benchmark, Smartbench, Microsoft Word, and Outlook
Conduct interviews and investigations in a jail setting
Deal effectively and professionally with defendants from various backgrounds, in various stressful conditions
Deal professionally with a highly volatile, potentially violent population
Deal effectively, professionally and confidentially with Judges, non-judicial personnel, attorneys, and the general public
Provide effective, accurate, professional, polite, friendly, and prompt customer service to the public and other agency personnel, AOC employees, and the Judiciary
Efficiently operate a computer and utilize Microsoft Office Word and Outlook along with various other software programs and databases
Follow written and oral instructions and procedures
Effectively interpret general policy, criteria and procedures for specific situations
Identify symptoms of substance abuse and emotional problems
Conduct drug testing
Exhibit sound judgment
Maintain focus in a busy surrounding
Maintain jail security clearance
Work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends
Cover other shifts when required
Maintain consistent and regular attendance, which is required
Work the required hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.,4 nights per week at the Charlotte County jail
Travel to the courthouse when needed

Responsibilities

Conduct Pretrial Services Booking Interviews
Determine Indigent Status for Public Defender Representation
Write Summary Reports that Include a Detailed Criminal History of the Defendant and Recommendation to the Judge Regarding Pretrial Release
Research Probation Status and Prepare Widman Warrants
Perform Other Duties as Assigned
Interview all defendants booked into the jail facilities in order to provide a quality pretrial report to the 1st Appearance Judge
As part of the pretrial interview identify alcohol, drug, mental health, and/or other problems and refer to appropriate agencies for further assessment
Update pretrial officers in the courtroom as to any defendants that have applied for the public defender since the previous interview so the most up to date information is available in the courtroom
Based on the defendant's interview, prepare and submit to the Court a recommendation that follows the criteria and procedures outlined in the Pretrial Officers Intake Unit Training Manual, including community stability, interpretation of interview data and consultation with supervisor as appropriate
Present information to all defendants regarding the possible appointment of the Office of the Public Defender
Screen all defendants for determination of indigence for public defender representation when appropriate
Complete pretrial paperwork with a written summary report detailing a defendant's full criminal history and community ties
Complete pretrial interview packet with the defendant by using booking information, local criminal history information, NCIC/FCIC criminal history information, the defendants family/friends input, and appropriate interviewing skills
Verify defendant's responses by using data systems and contacting personal references, employment references, etc. to determine authenticity of information and to make reliable recommendations
Assist court pretrial officers in preparation for court attendance by updating/pulling pretrial reports and updating any other paperwork that will be used in court to ensure Pretrial Services is providing the most accurate and current information available on each defendant
Interact with law enforcement, state attorneys and public defenders, jail personnel, and court personnel as appropriate to make reliable release recommendations
Verify whether the defendant is presently on county and/or state probation utilizing appropriate databases
Prepare a Widman Warrant for first appearance when appropriate
Assist with Polycom duties