INVESTIGATOR – SERGEANT

JOB SUMMARY

Performs technical law enforcement work as a non-uniformed police officer in the investigation of crime and the detection and prevention of violations of the law.

Job duties may vary dependent upon job assignment and skill level. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs skilled investigative work involving alleged crimes against persons or property, in the office and the field under minimal supervision. 
2. Receives civil complaints and makes general information reports.
3. Obtains written or tape-recorded statements, depositions, or admissions.
4. Questions or interrogates complainants, witnesses and suspects; apprehends suspects and makes arrests.
5. Prepares and serves search warrants.
6. Searches crime scenes for and secures evidence to be reported for classification.
7. Provides for witness or victim preparation and management, including transportation as necessary.
8. Contacts other agencies and law enforcement jurisdictions to exchange information, including but not limited to military, NCIC, FBI, DEA, ATF, and other criminal history or intelligence resources.
9. Prepares, submits, and follows-up on crime laboratory requests.
10. Reviews cases being prepared for trial with emphasis on the evidentiary and legal issues crucial to successful prosecution. Prepares detailed reports of activities and investigations made; consults with prosecutors and prepares case report for court action; testifies in court.
11. Assists in obtaining, enhancing, preparing or presenting exhibits or other evidence in court as required.
12. Coordinates with the Medical Examiner assigned to handle officer involved death investigations.  Attend autopsies as required.
13. Conducts sensitive investigations into allegations of official misconduct or violations of law by public officials or police officers. Conducts internal affairs investigations as required.
14. Conducts detailed criminal cases analysis following the arrest and charging of a suspect, with emphasis on counteracting specific legal defenses.
15. Provides review and/or analysis of fraud, white-collar crime, forgery or special inquiry court cases as requested.
16. Assists in case reviews or plea-bargaining negotiations with defense counsel as requested by the prosecuting attorney.
17. Locates and interviews those listed on defense witness lists.
18. Assists in providing training to department officers in the area of criminal investigations.
19. Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent. 
20. Carries out duties in conformance with federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances.
21. May oversee and/or perform presentations to schools and civic groups about the police department/CID and otherwise publicize positive interactions between the community and Commerce Police Department; and
22. Supports the relationship between the City of Commerce and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with other city staff, citizens of Commerce, and visitors.  Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information, consistent with City employee ethics training.
23. This position may be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends.  This position does involve being on-call and working some weekends. 
24. Performs other duties as required or assigned. 

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

1. Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities to ensure personal equipment, city equipment and facilities are in order and organized.
2. Serves as backup for traffic control, police patrol, crime prevention and other policing functions as necessary/required.
3. Provides detailed background investigations of prospective department employees as assigned. 

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

General: 

(A) Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment;

(B) Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid State driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any State;

(C) Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years are not allowed;

(D) U.S. citizen;

(E) Must be able to read and write the English language;

(F) Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.

Education and Experience:

(A) High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by a two‑year community college degree or vocational school training in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a related field;

(B) Minimum of 24 months of full time paid service as a sworn police officer;

(C) Successful completion of State Basic Training Academy, or

(D) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Considerable knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; considerable knowledge of investigative practices and procedures; considerable knowledge of proper methods of securing, handling, and preserving evidence; working knowledge to security clearance access to the law enforcement, court, state and Federal and other criminal history resources.

(B) Skill in operating the tools and equipment listed below;

(C) Ability to analyze complex situations, problems and data, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and making decisions; Ability to comprehend and articulate complex facts and relationships in detail and to summarize and write clearly, concisely and legibly, and to testify in court in an objective, concise, and professional manner; Ability to produce or obtain reports, graphs, charts, photographs or the evidence or exhibits; Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, subordinates, peers and supervisors; Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; Ability to meet the special requirements listed below; Ability to learn the City’s geography.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Must have a valid driver license or the ability to obtain one by date of hire.  Driving is an essential function of the job.  The suspension or revocation of a driver license during employment may result in termination of employment. 

Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not listed under essential duties but is a critical function to operations of the City’s Police Department.  Consistent, unplanned and unexcused absences may result in termination of employment. 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer, typewriter, camera, tape recorder, police car, police radio, handgun and other weapons as required, baton, handcuffs, pager, first aid equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves standing, using hands to manipulate, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and repetitive reaching with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk, talk, hear, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may frequently push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally exert force while pushing, pulling, lifting and/or carrying up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in a variety of outside weather conditions.  Some of these weather conditions can be extreme.  The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or extreme heat, humid or cold conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to inclement weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibrations.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate to loud while working out in the field.    

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A copy of the City’s Step & Grade/Pay plan regarding compensation can be found online at: https://commercetx.org/open-data/#146-personnel

The City of Commerce offers a competitive benefits package including a contributory retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance for City employees paid for 100% by the employer, life and disability insurance, and paid time off.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required; drug screen; final selection and pre-employment medical examination.  NOTE:  Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period which will last for six (6) months.  Appointees have access to paid, vacation time following the completion of their probationary period. Appointees have access to health, vision and dental insurance benefits on the first of the month following the first full month of employment. 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The City of Commerce is an “at will” employer.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing fair and equal treatment of all applicants for employment without regard to age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.  We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.   

By submitting an application for this position, candidate certifies they have been provided access to a copy of the above job description.