Part-Time Special Investigator - Criminal Investigations

Summary

Investigates assigned criminal cases by reviewing existing reports and evidence. Position entails conducting thorough investigations by interviewing associated victims, witnesses, involved parties and others associated as identified during the course of the investigation. Identifying and attempting to obtain statements from suspects. Obtain search warrants, arrest warrants and subpoenas as needed. Properly document all actions taken related to each case in supplement reports. If probable cause is developed and there is sufficient information for prosecution, present the case and charge to the appropriate prosecuting attorney.

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Essential Functions

Assigned Criminal Cases:

• Perform work in accordance with City of Lubbock and Lubbock Police department policies, rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures;
• Keep records and prepare activity reports;
• Review existing police reports and documents related to the assigned cases;
• Contact victims, involved parties, and witnesses and arrange to obtain statements from them;
• Review existing evidence including photos, 911 calls, camera footage, jail calls, and other forensic evidence related to assigned cases;
• Display empathy and patience and an unbiased attitude when dealing with victim’s;
• Keep the victim aware of case progress when prudent;
• Follow up on all credible leads in a timely fashion;
• Ensure the collection and analysis of all physical evidence, including searching for and obtaining video evidence at or near the scene of the crime;
• When a suspect is identified, attempt to contact the suspect and arrange to obtain a statement
• If obtaining a statement from a suspect in person, utilize the downstairs interview room or be accompanied by a detective;
• Obtain search and arrest warrants and subpoenas when applicable and ensure all court orders are done in accordance with LPD policy;
• Submit evidence for further examination when applicable;
• If probable cause is developed and there is sufficient information for prosecution, present the case and charge to the appropriate prosecuting attorney;
• Properly document all actions related to each case in supplement reports.
• Testify in court as needed;
• Work with other agencies by obtaining or sharing information relative to assigned cases;
• Perform other duties of assigned.

Qualifications

Honorably Retired Peace Officer from a local, state, or federal Law Enforcement Agency. Have at least two years’ work experience in criminal investigations.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Standard investigative practices and processes;
• Universal law enforcement procedures;
• Texas laws and regulations;
• City of Lubbock and Lubbock Police Department policies, rules, instructions and procedures.
• Have and maintain all required documentation from the last employing agency (TCOLE – Texas Commission on Law Enforcement or other agency listed above);
• Confidentiality laws and issues such as confidentiality of criminal records, handling requests for information on criminal cases from operating departments, public, or the media;
• Rationales for confidentiality sufficient to ensure the integrity and personal privacy of the victim and the criminal investigation file and all information contained therein;
• Principles and practices of confidentiality sufficient to recognize actions that may compromise the integrity of investigations or investigation file documents;
• Various technical specialists available to assist in an investigation and when to request such assistance;
• Objective symptoms of use of alcohol and commonly used controlled substances, sufficient to recognize when a person may be under the influence.

Ability to:

• Learn
• Communicate effectively with others;
• Understand, follow, and give oral directions to others;
• Drive an automobile;
• Make keen observations and remember names, faces, and details of incidents;
• Write clear and accurate reports;
• Read, comprehend and interpret detailed, complex written material;
• Prepare clear, concise written reports;
• Analyze complex ideas or activities into smaller parts; simultaneously consider numerous facts, perceive patters and relationships, develop theories about past occurrences based on numerous small bits of information or evidence, compare and interpret information, recognize and examine discrepancies, and draw logical conclusions;
• Manage time sufficient to prioritize and combine investigations when practicable to ensure timely completion;
• Handle several cases at one time;
• Utilize appropriate investigative techniques for criminal investigations;
• Communicate and deal tactfully, persuasively, and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, management and the public;
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity through tact and courtesy when dealing with individuals from various social, cultural, racial, and economical backgrounds;
• Work cooperatively as part of a team;
• Remain calm and focused when interviewing distraught, angry, or combative persons;
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills required to discuss matters which are of a sensitive and sometime inflammatory nature with victims, supervisors and management;
• Listen, in person and on the telephone, as required to pay close attention to what is being said and ask follow-up questions;
• Develop pertinent questions for interviews, perceive when the person being interviewed has not understood, rephrase/clarify questions, follow-up on unanswered questions or conflicting statements and keep the interview focused on the material to be covered;
• Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability, and the ability of the hiring department to reasonable accommodate the limitations.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally walk, stand, sit and kneel