Public Safety Investigator

City of Union•Union, SC

5d•$61,214 - $73,457•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to conduct follow up investigations and interrogations on criminal activities. Incumbents in this class are assigned more complex and sensitive cases. Acts as a public safety officer by protecting and serving the citizens of the City of Union. Enforces state and local laws. Incumbents are also expected to perform specialized firefighting work, which may involve driving fire pumpers and ladder trucks and operating firefighting apparatus. Engages directly in fire prevention and firefighting activities to protect and safeguard lives and property. Work involves an element of personal danger. Reports to the Captain - Investigations.

Requirements

High school Diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in law enforcement and firefighting or a related field; supplemented by three years of experience in criminal investigations and firefighting; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including appropriate endorsement(s).
Must possess and maintain Basic Law Enforcement and Investigator certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
Must also possess and maintain the following certifications: Firefighter II (NFPA); CPR and First Aid; vehicle emergency response; emergency vehicle driver training; pump operations I; rapid intervention crew; positive pressure ventilation; pipeline emergencies; utility emergencies; and basic auto extrication.
Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Responsibilities

Conducts follow-up investigations: reviews current incident reports; conducts interviews in person and over the phone of witnesses, victims, suspects, reporting officers, and others; utilizes a variety of computer programs and websites to gather information and data; performs related clerical duties such as completing incident reports, supplemental report forms, obtaining rap sheets and warrants, etc.
Conducts preliminary, routine, and complex and sensitive investigations at the scenes of crimes: secures crime scenes; photograph scenes; searches for and obtains latent fingerprints; collects DNA evidence; gathers other evidence as required; conducts accident, larceny, burglary, arson and other investigations as assigned; and locates and questions witnesses in court.
Reviews and researches police files for court purposes: prepares a variety of information for court, to include warrants, subpoenas, testimony, etc.
Acts in the capacity of a police officer as needed, which involves patrolling a designated area of the City in a patrol car; prevents and discovers commission of crime; apprehends and arrests criminals and offenders; enforces vehicle and traffic laws; conducts property checks when residents are out of town; and makes police presence known in a manner that contributes toward deterrence of law violations.
Answers calls and radio complaints involving automobile accidents, misdemeanors, felonies, burglaries and a wide variety of domestic-related disturbances involving, but not limited to, assistance with mentally or physically ill persons, neglected children, etc.: interviews persons with complaints and inquiries in attempts to make proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities.
Performs firefighting duties as needed or assigned: raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment; ventilates burning buildings; removes persons from danger and resuscitates if necessary; throws salvage covers; and removes debris.
Drives fire pumpers and ladder trucks to scene of a fire when required: cranks trucks; prepares for pumping operations by seeing that hydrant connections are made; pumps water to fire at designated pressure and sees that suction hose and fire hose are properly located; watches condition of motor and unit during operation; and makes necessary adjustments or changes.
Repairs and services fire stations and equipment: participates in training; inspects, maintains and cleans quarters; checks engine daily; and inspects pumping equipment, ignition, batteries, brakes and other equipment to see that the apparatus is in good working condition.
Transports prisoners as needed: transports doctors and nurses during inclement weather; and transports and/or escorts monies to and from banks.
Performs assignments and instructions in accordance with Departmental rules and regulations received, in general terms, from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, observations, and discussions.
Provides assistance to other officers and outside law enforcement agencies as needed.
Performs various animal control functions including capturing stray or deceased animals.
Attends required training classes, seminars and meetings: completes required online and hands-on training; participates in fire drills; and attends classes in firefighting and first aid.
Receives, reviews and processes various reports and records including incident reports, supplemental reports, photographs, lab reports, evidence forms, fingerprints, rap sheets, training reports, vehicle maintenance reports, inspection reports, memos, correspondence, etc.; provides a data log; and enters information into a data base.
Refers to equipment check sheets, building inspections, fire reports, and emergency response guidebooks.
Operates, utilizes and maintains a variety of trucks, law enforcement equipment, and hand tools: utilizes patrol car, teletype, Data master, firearms, a variety of surveillance systems; fire equipment, air compressor, generators, fans, and self-contained breathing apparatus, etc.; and operates various office machines including a calculator, computer, two-way radio, etc.
Complies with established policies, procedures and safe work practices: follows safety training and instructions provided by supervisor; wears and maintains all personal protective equipment required for job; and immediately reports any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions, as well as any on- the-job injury or illnesses.
Performs other related duties as required.