Public Defenders Investigator (#8142 )

$34.65-$42.11 Hourly / $6,006.00-$7,300.00 Monthly / $72,072.00-$87,594.00 Yearly

Definition

Under general supervision, performs responsible investigative work in connection with criminal complaints and offenses under the jurisdiction of the public defender's office; assists in the preparation and prosecution of criminal cases in municipal and superior court.

Requires responsibility for: interpreting and carrying out existing methods and procedures relating to investigative activities of the public defender's office; making responsible contacts with law enforcement officials, outside agencies and organizations; other departmental officials and the general public in connection with investigative activities; gathering, preparing and maintaining important investigation records.

Distinguishing Features

This is the journey level code in the series. Job code 8142 is distinguished from job code 8143 Senior Public Investigator in that the latter may supervise and review the work of the former.

Supervision Exercised

No supervision required.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 9, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Conducts investigations of a wide variety of criminal cases to provide support for legal defense in fraud, homicide, other felonies and misdemeanor charges; interviews witnesses, victims, law enforcement officials, representatives of agencies and other particulars to gather statements and information on events surrounding cases; this includes visiting and interviewing patients, mentally ill clients, doctors and members of the family; when necessary serves subpoenas on persons needed to testify or submit evidence for the defense in court.

2. Collects and evaluates physical and material evidence and discusses findings with attorneys to determine crime connection and admissibility in trial; prepares diagrams and takes photograph of the scene of crime; checks and reproduces documentary evidence of the Coroner's Office, hospital, police file and other pertinent records necessary for case preparation; testifies in court on matters regarding evidence and investigative findings.

3. Maintains complete records of investigative activities; this includes the contacts made, findings of evidence, collected statements, description of scenes, analysis of cases and other information relevant to the defense; prepare investigative reports.

4. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: techniques, principles and methods of screening, evaluating and preparing evidence and exhibits for trials in criminal investigations, and the ability to apply this knowledge; relevant penal, health and safety, welfare and institutions, evidence and civil procedure codes, as well as court procedures, and the ability to apply this knowledge.

Ability to: identify and evaluate situations, information and evidence in the course of investigations; divide problems and issues into components that are amenable to analysis; effectively articulate thoughts firmly and courteously when interacting with attorneys, law enforcement officials, witnesses and the general public; express ideas in written statements; use a working knowledge of vocabulary and grammar; prepare correspondence and reports in a clear understandable manner; promote, establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with individuals, groups, officials, representative and general public; interact tactfully, courteously and diplomatically with others; work effectively in an objective and impartial manner; exercise understanding and sensitivity to various groups of people.

Experience and Training

Experience: Two years of verifiable experience as a public defender's investigator, district attorney's investigator or licensed private investigator performing investigative work in connection with criminal complaints and offenses; OR

Two years of comparable and verifiable experience as a professional investigator in criminal matters involving cases of crimes, complaints, or offenses, including interviewing witnesses, examining crime scenes, and investigating circumstances of alleged criminal conduct.

License or Certificate

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:  requires considerable amount of climbing stairs and walking.

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.