DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for conducting investigations and interviews to substantiate facts for cases being prepared by the District Attorney’s Office. The Investigator I works in accordance with the established practices and procedures set forth by the District Attorney of Onondaga County and under the New York State Criminal Procedure Law. An employee in this class is on call 24 hours a day and is responsible for handling general felony cases as well as misdemeanor cases that require development. This work requires them to continue investigations that were commenced by various law enforcement agencies around the county. The Investigator I will, on occasion, be assigned to assist in the development of segments of homicide cases that the District Attorney, Chief Assistant District Attorney and Senior Assistant District Attorneys prosecute or as directed by the Chief Investigator. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Conducts felony and misdemeanor investigations as directed by the District Attorney and Assistant District Attorneys.

Conducts interviews and/or interrogations as needed to prepare case files.

Prepares reports of investigations.

Prepares reports and court documents for arraignment of suspects.

Assists the District Attorney and Assistant District Attorneys in preparation of cases for and during trials.

Traces and locates witnesses and other missing persons.

Prepares and executes subpoenas, search warrants, summonses, show court orders and citations as required.

Collects and documents evidence obtained during the course of an investigation; completes necessary laboratory forms to be submitted with evidence for analysis.

Retrieves and handles evidence for trials.

Testifies in trials as an expert witness within the scope and training of investigative experience.

Transports victims/witnesses and other documents as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the New York State Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Search and Seizure Laws and Rules of Evidence.

Good knowledge of modern investigative techniques.

Good knowledge of the techniques and procedures involved in establishing legal action in court.

Good knowledge of the techniques involved in serving legal papers.

Ability to conduct detailed confidential investigations.

Ability to prepare clear and accurate oral and written reports.

Ability to analyze findings and recommendations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Six years (6) years of work experience as a Police Officer having successfully completed the basic course for Police Officers approved by the Municipal Police Training Council, or its equivalent, and four (4) years of work experience in a criminal investigations division as a detective/investigator handling investigations, gathering evidence and/or conducting investigations in one of the following areas: narcotics, homicides, gang-related or domestic violence, missing persons or economic fraud.

5/2013 Date Revised