Investigator

Full Job Description

Provides investigative support and assists staff attorneys in investigating assigned cases in preparation for indictment or general trial. Investigations may also involve no complaint or walk-in cases and will range from crimes against property to capital murder. Investigations involve no-complaint or walk-in cases and will range from crimes such as child abuse, juvenile cases to complex white-collar crime such as embezzlement, fraud, and misappropriation.

Requirements

• Conducts all aspects of criminal investigations.  Handles and preserves chain of custody of evidence.  Gathers, reviews medical records, and pathology reports, if applicable.  Interviews victims, witnesses and complainants; obtains criminal histories.
• Interviews suspects and witnesses; collecting preserving and processing evidence. Locates prosecution witnesses, conducts background investigations of suspects, obtains criminal histories and statements from witnesses and suspects.
• Takes and prepares affidavits, statements, and confessions; prepares and executes subpoenas, and warrants.
• Investigates crime scenes and prepares crime scene photos and diagrams; conducts photo line-ups; submits handwriting samples for analysis.  Performs surveillance; may work in an undercover capacity to investigate felony offenses.
• Reviews case files with attorneys; prepares reports of work progress on assigned cases; monitors and evaluates cases for completeness and identifies needed follow-up; coordinates case preparation with officers and investigators of other law enforcement agencies
• Testifies in state and federal court, and before the grand jury and magistrates.
• Provides security during special trials; provides for victim/witness protection.
• Transports witnesses; evidence to crime lab; and may travel out of the County or out of state in the conduct of an investigation.
• Assists in training new personnel in investigative techniques.
• Maintains assigned County vehicle and firearms qualification as required.
• May familiarize operator and attend polygraph examinations; design applications of computer software and/or organize and chart a criminal link analysis on computer; investigate state government officials or employees for suspected felony violations; operate video equipment; investigate and prepare cases involving juveniles under jurisdiction of the Travis County Juvenile Court.
• Prepares and executes search and arrest warrants and subpoenas.
• Investigates and prepares cases involving juveniles under jurisdiction of the Travis County Juvenile Court; assists in the completion of protective orders and termination of parental right cases.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a related field AND (2) two to five (5) years of responsible investigation and law enforcement officer experience. 

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Must have basic and intermediate certification from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer (TCOLE). 

Preferred:
Depending upon assignment, accounting, business or finance background may be preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:
•      Law enforcement administration.
•      Texas Penal Code.
•      Code of Criminal Procedures.
•      Investigation and crime prevention methods.
•      Rules of evidence.
•      Law governing custody of person.
•      General business practices.

Skill in:
•      Use of firearms
•      Use of computers.

Ability to:
•      Analyze and evaluate financial statements, records and general business practices.
•      Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with persons of very diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
 

Additional Information

Constant standing, handling, use of vision, depth perception. Frequent reaching, forceful gripping, use of fine dexterity. Occasional sitting, walking, climbing, kneeling/crouching, bending/squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, talking. Exposure to excessive heat and cold (outdoor conditions); job may involve danger due to contact with criminals and suspects.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. Overtime may be required when preparing or in trial.
Location: 416 W. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701
Department: District Attorney
Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.