INVESTIGATOR- PUBLIC DEFENDER

Acceptable Experience and Education
High school diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of experience in criminal/civil investigations.
 
Prefer an Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement, Accounting or a related field;
 
Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
 

Certificates and Licenses Required
Must have or obtain by date of hire Texas driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.
 

• Licensed Peace Officer; Licensed Texas Peace Officer with TCLOESE certification;
• Must be bondable.
• Continuous training as required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers      

Essential Duties
Conducts factual investigations; gathers evidence related to cases; locates and interviews witnesses; locates
and retrieves documents and other materials; coordinates investigations with local, state and federal
authorities;
 
Writes investigative reports; prepares evidence for court presentations; obtains police reports, certified copies
of judgments, criminal histories and other documentation for trial; attends court proceedings; testifies in
court;
 
Reviews and assists with cases;
 
Responds to requests for information via phone or in-person;
 
Assists attorneys in preparation for civil and criminal trials. Depending on area assigned possibly with
juvenile proceedings;
 
Performs surveillance of suspects and defendants; takes photographs of crime scenes;
 
Locates witnesses and complainants using computer systems and through manual research;
 
Assists prosecutors and other investigators with case investigation requirements;
 
Obtains statements from witnesses, including statements of non-prosecution from complaining witnesses;
                     
Documents crime scenes through photographs, diagrams, and other means;
 
Researches and locates individuals using on-line resources and other methods;
 
Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts; and
 
Creates a high quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.
 

Transports complainants and witnesses to and from court; serves subpoenas and arrest warrants;
 
Conducts defendant, complainant and witness criminal history and personal background investigations.
 
Coordinates and works with all pertinent law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and social service agencies in
preparation of cases for prosecution.
 
Required to be on call 24 hours a day.
 
Investigates Federal, State, and local officer involved shooting incidents and custodial deaths;
 

 

Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: court systems; legal terminology; investigative principles, practices and procedures; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products. Depending on area assigned needs knowledge of: Tax Office: motor vehicle registration and titling; relevant tax laws and rules of the State Comptroller's Office; State Motor Vehicle Laws, State Statutes and regulations of the Texas Department of Transportation and titling of motor vehicles; current literature, trends and developments in the field of Motor Vehicle Title and Registration and Transportation Code, relating to Auto Theft. Attorney Office: Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Texas Penal code, Laws and guidelines related to access of Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS); Skill/Ability to: do surveillance; interview and interrogation; interpretation of crime information; firearms proficiency; operate personal computer using standard Office operating software and general office equipment; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; make mathematical computations; prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports; to have good judgment skills and decision-making skills; to have good management of time, planning and organizing; to have fact finding and analytical skills; exercise tact and courtesy with those contacted during the course of work; exercise firmness and fairness in adjusting complaints and explaining laws and policies; and establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work. Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.
           Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and
           necessary elements of performance: 
·       Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
·       Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
·       Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
·       Maintain strict confidentiality;
·       Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times; and,
·       Maintain and enhance the County's commitment to customer service excellence

* Required Question