Sheriff's Investigator

Overview

Under general supervision, investigates the more difficult and complex criminal cases for the Sheriff's Office, obtains and analyzes information to prepare cases; arrests suspects; works with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal activities of regional, state and national significance; performs related work as assigned.

This is the skilled peace officer investigative class, competent to perform a broad range of investigative activities. Incumbents receive specialized training in investigative techniques and apply those techniques in the resolution of complex criminal investigations. This class is distinguished from Sheriff's Sergeant in that the latter plans, organizes and supervises the work of Deputy Sheriffs and may direct investigation of more immediate scope.

• Directs and conducts investigation of felony and high-level misdemeanor cases.
• Coordinates and directs the activities at a crime scene to protect and preserve needed information and evidence; analyzes the crime scene, identifies and seizes evidence; sets up crime scene security; organizes and conducts searches and locates suspicious conditions.
• Interviews relevant witnesses, victims, suspects and other leads to obtain an accurate account of events, participants and properties involved in an assigned case.
• Directs the work of evidence technicians in the collection and preservation of evidence; takes photographs, creates crime scene drawings and takes accurate measurements.
• Develops an investigative strategy to solve crimes; interviews and follows up on leads; develops suspect profiles; researches public records; develops sources of information; travels as necessary to pursue investigations.
• Conducts surveillance; videotapes activities and conducts search and seizure activities to seize evidence; coordinates investigations with other law enforcement agencies such as FBI, Customs, Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies.
• Prepares search warrants and affidavits in support of searches; completes searches and gathers additional evidence.
• Works with the District Attorney's office in the preparation of cases for trial; testifies in court as necessary.
• Operates a variety of cameras, listening devices, telephoto equipment, etc. to observe suspects and record evidence.
• Reviews a variety of journals and government publications to monitor new and/or changing laws, regulations and techniques relating to criminal investigations.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods and equipment in crime detection and criminal investigations.
• Rules of evidence and the laws governing custody of suspects.
• Methods of tracing and locating individuals who have disappeared.
• Law enforcement terminology and concepts.
• Federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing rules of evidence and criminal investigations.
• Methods and techniques of interviewing.
• Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work.

Skill in:

• Investigating and analyzing crime scene and other evidence.
• Formulating and evaluating possible solutions based on limited evidence and information.
• Developing sound investigative approaches to problems.
• Interviewing and obtaining information from witnesses, suspects and others.
• Establishing contacts from which evidence can be obtained.
• Exercising sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, records and other written materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license. Must possess a valid P.O.S.T basic certificate and maintain firearms qualification.

Desirable

Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Two years of sworn law enforcement experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Deputy Sheriff II.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at the Humboldt County government jobs portal.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable.
Applications will be…