IMPERIAL COUNTY
CLASS TITLE: PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the County Public Defender, perform a wide variety of
investigations of alleged or suspected violations of civil and criminal laws; collect,
preserve, evaluate and formulate theories in response to case evidence.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Perform a wide variety of investigations of alleged or suspected violations of civil and
criminal laws; conduct surveillances and document observations as assigned; review
and evaluate investigative reports and statements to determine appropriate action.
Collect and preserve evidence; coordinate and conduct alleged victim and other
principal witness observations and interviews; analyze facts, evidence and data to
formulate theories; prepare detailed and concise reports for use in the evaluation and
defense of cases.
Draft and send letters, forms and other materials to participants in legal proceedings;
compose requests for certified copies of court orders and distribute to other counties;
serve summons and subpoenas according to established procedures.
Utilize a variety of scientific investigative equipment in the collection of evidence;
prepare diagrams and photograph crime scenes; assemble and document visual
evidence for use in investigations and court proceedings; provide other evidence based
on investigation items as appropriate.
Establish and maintain contact with other County and State law enforcement agencies
in the investigation of suspected civil and criminal law violations; collaborate with other
counties and states to assist in locating individuals relevant to investigations.
Contact probation and parole officers concerning individuals related to assigned
investigations; confer with deputy public defenders in arranging appearances of
witnesses at trials and hearings and in preparing presentation of evidence.
Communicate with County personnel, various outside agencies and the public to
exchange information, coordinate activities, collect evidence and resolve issues,
discrepancies and concerns.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a copier, fax machine, computer and
assigned software; utilize cameras, camcorders and other investigation equipment.
Prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports and files related to investigations,
evidence and assigned activities.
July 2003
Public Defender Investigator - Continued
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Attend and participate in various conferences and meetings; prepare and deliver oral
presentations concerning assigned investigations.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles and techniques involved in the investigation of suspected violations of civil
and criminal laws.
Practices, procedures, basic evidence identification techniques and methods of
operation related to the gathering, preservation and presentation of evidence.
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Investigative principles, theories, techniques, practices and procedures.
Rules of evidence related to civil and criminal court cases.
Penal, Civil, Welfare and Institution codes.
Laws of arrest, search and seizure, and courtroom procedures.
Techniques of interviewing and interrogation.
Utilization of scientific investigative equipment.
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Operation of a computer and assigned software.
Technical aspects of field of specialty.
ABILITY TO:
Perform a wide variety of investigations of alleged or suspected violations of civil and
criminal laws.
Review and evaluate investigative reports and statements to determine appropriate
action.
Gather, assemble, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence to draw logical conclusions
and make sound recommendations.
Prepare, review and evaluate comprehensive reports of investigations.
Coordinate and conduct alleged victim and other principal witness observations and
interviews.
Prepare detailed and concise reports for use in the evaluation and defense of cases.
Utilize a variety of scientific investigative equipment in the collection of evidence.
Serve summons and subpoenas according to established procedures.
Analyze facts, evidence and date to formulate theories.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Work independently with little direction.
Prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports and files.
July 2003
Public Defender Investigator - Continued
Page 3
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year investigationrelated law enforcement experience.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California driver's license.
Successful completion of a complete physical examination.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor working environment.
Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
Evening or variable hours, and emergency call-out.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and scientific
investigation equipment.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Climbing stairs, ladders and over obstacles.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Seeing to investigate crime scenes and read a verity of materials.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Bending at the waist, stooping, kneeling or crouching.
HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
July 2003