Investigator

JOB SUMMARY:

Investigates all criminal violation reports initiated by themselves and uniformed patrol officers to assure all crimes committed against persons or property in Hall County are thoroughly investigated, suspects questioned, and leads followed until a case is resolved and successfully prosecuted.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accepts calls from uniform patrol deputies, responds to crime scenes and receives initial report from deputies.

Interviews complainants, witnesses, victims, and informants to decipher information as to the facts of the case; follows all leads and prepares reports.

Coordinates activities at crime scenes; identifies, collects, and marks physical evidence; photographs crime scene; processes evidence for fingerprints or any other clues for suspects and motive for crimes; may attend autopsies to gather information on the cause of death. 

Identifies stolen property through investigative research, insurance records and through other law enforcement agencies.

Analyzes investigative information and develops a plan of action; questions suspects on a particular crime; obtains search warrants; checks pawn shops and business known to deal in stolen goods; questions known criminals with past histories of similar crimes.

Informs suspects of their rights and attempts to get a confession; when sufficient evidence is gathered, obtains arrest warrant and makes arrest; contacts victim and gives them progress reports; asks them to identify found evidence if applicable.

Conducts surveillance, stakeout, undercover, and special surveillance operations; writes reports detailing the facts and investigative methods used; recovers stolen property and assures its safekeeping for trial.

Assists the Office of the District Attorney to prepare and present cases in various courts; assures pertinent facts are presented in a clear, concise, and accurate manner to assure conviction; recommends sentences to the District Attorney and confers with the Judge on matters pertaining to the case.     

Incumbents will be required to pass a Physical Agility Test before being hired and annually thereafter. The course consists of a series of nine interspersed individual tasks, arranged in a continuous format that may be viewed as being essential (physical) job tasks for law enforcement training:

Running, jumping (low hurdle), climbing stairs, Low crawling, Jumping (broad-type), Climbing a fence (chain-link/four feet), Climbing through a window, Moving/dragging a weight (150 lbs.), Changing direction on the run.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other related duties as required. 

When assigned to Person Crimes Investigations

This unit investigates crimes against persons such as physical assaults, domestic violence, threats, phone harassment, missing persons, stalking, rapes, murders, crimes against children, runaway / missing juveniles, and child exploitation. 

The majority of these cases are felonies, many of which are among the most sensitive cases investigated by law enforcement. Coordinates efforts with the Department of Family and Children's Services investigating child physical and sexual abuse cases.

Performs other related duties as required.

Special Investigations Unit

Investigates crimes such as burglary, theft, criminal damage, auto theft and any other crime involving property.

The unit has investigators specially trained in the fields of tracking stolen vehicles as well as identity theft. 

Property investigators review reports generated by patrol deputies and help in developing leads in those cases. In some instances, a suspect is involved in more than one crime, and investigators will look for links to other incidents. Property investigators also coordinate with investigators from other agencies to identify suspects and coordinate efforts across jurisdictions.

Personnel in vice investigate and solve crimes involving prostitution, gambling and illegal alcohol sales, among other offenses. Additionally, they are responsible for gathering and interpreting criminal intelligence information pertaining to the persons involved in these crimes.

Investigators are specially trained and focus their efforts on combating drug crimes, ranging from street-level sales and use, all the way through mid and upper-level drug trafficking organizations.

Performs other related duties as required.

Intelligence Unit

Enable collaboration with colleagues in partner agencies to share data and intelligence to facilitate cross-sector working practices.

Undertake intelligence gathering work that might be required within the intelligence unit to support and develop the specialist capabilities of the intelligence team and any investigative objectives.

Ensure all licensure and software is current and properly managed for best practices.

 Research and review new automated analytical/forensic tools in support of law enforcement strategic analysis, investigative, and intelligence activities.

Prepare, review and analyze existing reports, data, and statistics to identify patterns and trends and to prepare reports and maps in a timely manner so that criminal activity can be predicted, monitored, or suppressed.

Work in partnership with associated federal, state, and local agencies, analysts, and investigators to facilitate information sharing

Lead and assist with special projects and investigative efforts of the Hall County Sheriff's Office.

Review and provide analysis to department command staff and employees regarding crime trends, local area events, and any impending criminal patterns.

Oversee surveys of other law enforcement agencies to discover improved methods, policies and procedures. 

Keep abreast of latest law enforcement digital forensic best practices and technological/analytical trends. 

Assists investigators in gathering intelligence to identify suspects and prove their involvement in crimes.

Conduct audits on intelligence files maintained in accordance with widely accepted standards and ensure the proper disposal of purged files.

Maintain and oversee the secure storage capabilities for digital forensics and intelligence records.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Firearms                                               Video Camera                       Police Vehicle                      Two Way Radio Photographic Equipment                            Computer

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Two years law enforcement experience preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Georgia POST Certification.

Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of modern procedures, processes, and techniques involved in criminal investiga­tions.

Knowledge of departmental policies and practices in criminal investigations.

Knowledge of city geography.

Ability to understand and execute difficult and complicated oral and written instructions.

Ability to understand and analyze complex problems and situations and adapt quick, reasonable, and effective courses of action in difficult circumstances.

Ability to operate cameras, video equipment, audio equipment, and fingerprinting equipment used in the collection, processing and preservation of evidence for court admissibility.

Ability to obtain information through interviews, investigations, and interrogations.

Skill in the care and use of firearms.

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Ability:  Essential functions continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); move oneself by walking a variety of environments; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, twisting at the waist, hips or knees; move oneself by crawling on hands and knees; ascend and descend ladders, stairs, and ramps; maintain body equilibrium to prevent failing when walking, standing, or navigating narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces; reach overhead; repetitively use hands/arms/legs; grasp items; and move/transport items up to 25lbs. Incumbents constantly must think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Additionally, essential functions continuously require incumbents to be on call and work irregular hours (nights, weekends, holidays); attend work related meetings and trainings; direct others; handle confidential information; maintain stamina during the work day; meet deadlines; operate equipment; stay organized; use math/calculations; and use a keyboard or type..

Essential functions frequently require the ability to position oneself by crouching or kneeling and to push or pull items. Occasionally, incumbents must move/transport items 26lbs and over. 

Sensory Requirements:  Essential Functions require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use tools and equipment; visually discern differences in color.

Environmental Factors:  Essential functions are continuously performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including inclement weather; extreme hot or cold temperatures; humidity and moisture; dry environments; possible bodily injury from hazards including biological, chemical, sharp objects/tools, heavy machinery, traffic; and dry environments. Incumbents will be required to work alone or with others continuously. 

Essential functions are frequently performed with exposure to dirt/mud, fumes, gases, odors, dust, grease, and oil; moving mechanical parts;, extreme noise; wet slippery floors/surfaces. 

Essential functions are occasionally performed with exposure to extreme inside temperatures (heat/cold); risk of bodily injury from electrical or radiation hazards; falling from high places/high heights; constrict spaces; hot devices including burners or flame torches; and vibration.

Incumbents must operate vehicles, work around equipment and machinery and be able to walk on uneven ground.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.