Investigator Criminal

This is advanced and technical investigative work related to serious felony cases being prepared for trial by the McLennan County Criminal District Attorney’s Office with emphasis on the evidentiary and legal issues crucial to successful prosecution.  An employee in this classification is responsible for complex field and in-house investigations requiring a high degree of skill and experience in murder, armed robbery, aggravated assaults/rapes, white collar or organized crimes, fraud, and embezzlement schemes.  Incumbents also assist law enforcement agencies with unsolved crimes, drafting warrants and court orders and perform other specialized investigative tasks.

• Perform investigations related to civil and criminal matters involving McLennan County; perform follow-up and pre-trial civil and criminal investigations related to cases submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution; perform pre-trial services and witness preparation
• Conduct detailed criminal case analysis following the arrest and charging of a suspect, with emphasis on counteracting specific legal defenses
• Assist attorneys in case preparation from inception through appeal while maintaining confidentiality and operating within the laws and rules applicable to criminal and civil practice
• Work collaboratively with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the preparation and prosecution of criminal and civil cases
• Gather and record support data and information for subpoenas, court orders, and warrant affidavits. Assist in the development, drafting, swearing, and serving of such documents
• Review police reports, investigative reports, medical records, financial records, criminal histories, court documents, and other similar information related to investigations being performed
• Prepare accurate, thorough, and timely investigative reports; record progress of investigations and maintain informational files on investigations being performed
• Work directly with attorneys in preparing cases for trial including the evaluation of cases for completeness, identifying needed follow-up, securing evidence and establishing proper chain of custody
• Regular attendance and timeliness are required

EDUCATION:
Required:  

• High School Diploma or GED
• Certified Texas Peace Officer, (current and in good standing)

• Associates degree in Criminal Justice or related field

• 6 years law enforcement experience
• Current and Valid Texas Driver’s License (Class C)
• Must be loyal and able to keep the confidences of the office as required by law
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local codes, laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the functions of a District Attorney's Office
• Knowledge of investigative practices unique to fraud, white collar crime, forgery, embezzlement, aggravated assaults/rapes,  murder, and armed robbery
• Ability to identify and accomplish those investigative functions not commonly performed by law enforcement, and deemed necessary by the prosecution
• Knowledge of the proper methods of handling and preserving physical evidence.
• Ability to interpret facts and issues relevant to the prosecution and remain informed of charging requirements established through the various state and appellate court rulings
• Considerable ability to analyze complex situations, problems and data, and use sound judgement in making decisions and drawing conclusions
• General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systems   such as Microsoft Office Work, Excel, Outlook
• Exceptional skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with County staff, attorneys, investigators, police agencies, and citizens
• Possess excellent communication skills in expressing oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, prioritize tasks and time management, and to produce work products with little or no supervision

• 2 years of advanced Criminal Investigative experience with a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Mainly indoor activity, except when investigating cases, interviewing witnesses, or preparing for trial, which requires some outdoor activity. Presentation of cases in a courtroom environment. Significant contact, with public, crime victims, witnesses, persons accused or convicted of crime, police officers, law enforcement or courthouse personnel. Courtroom appearances.
PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS: Some light lifting, bending, standing, walking (trial presentations/on-scene investigations) and prolonged sitting. Vision (ability to read police reports, law book, and normal printed material), understandable coherent speech and hearing.
 
HOURS / SPECIAL CONDITIONS:  Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm  

McLennan County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudications in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records, and educational attainment.   A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment.  Each case is considered individually.