CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE TECHNICIAN

City of Columbia; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 44,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Columbia seeks a Technical Support Technician to assist the Columbia Police Department in investigative and digital evidence tasks. This is a non-sworn position, not involved in arrests or firearms, and does not respond to active incidents.

Responsibilities include follow-up calls, witness interviews, data entry, and detailed report preparation while coordinating with officers and other departments. CJIS security and reporting accuracy are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Criminal Justice or related field, or Associate’s degree with relevant prior experience.
• Prior law enforcement experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Conduct follow-up calls as assigned by a supervisor.
• Interview witnesses or victims.
• Perform follow-up investigations related to runaways, missing persons, traffic collisions or other cases as directed.
• May conduct basic collection and/or preservation of digital evidence.
• Attend shift/unit meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable.
• Complete investigative paperwork, electronic reports and police reports clearly and legibly.

Skills

Interviewing

Data entry

Report writing

Digital evidence handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Associate’s degree with relevant experience

Tools

CJIS security protocols

Police records systems

Job description

This position performs duties and tasks in support of law enforcement activities in the Columbia Police Department. Duties include investigative or technical support responsibilities to include follow-up of certain reported incidents and the coordination of digital evidence submission. This position is not a sworn officer, does not carry a firearm, does not respond to in-progress criminal incidents, does not have contact with suspects, and cannot make arrests.

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, climbing, or walking extended periods. Light to moderate lifting and carrying; some crouching, stooping, squatting, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling when performing tasks. Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain. Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proofreading, data entry, tabulating data.

Work is performed either in an indoor or outdoor environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions; moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as officers, community members, victims, etc.); and frequent exposure to computer screens, files and phone.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice or a related discipline OR an Associate’s degree and relevant prior experience;
• Prior law enforcement experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

• Conducts follow up calls as assigned by a supervisor;
• Interviews witnesses or victims;
• Conducts follow- up investigation related to runaways, missing persons, traffic collisions or other cases as directed;
• May conduct basic collection and or preservation of digital evidence;
• Attends shift/unit meetings, seminars, and training sessions as directed to remain knowledgeable of operations and promote job performance;
• Works in various databases, some of which are secure/law enforcement sensitive and require CJIS security protocols;
• May assist in a wide variety of investigations, some of which may expose the technician to sensitive of disturbing information;
• Completes the proper investigative paperwork, electronic reports and police reports as assigned;
• Completes forms and reports in a clear, complete and legible manner;
• Communicates directly with the public and answers telephone calls;
• Prepares detailed reports including collision diagrams and reported criminal offenses;
• Direct traffic at collision scenes, road closures or other events requiring traffic management as necessary;
• Modifies work methods to meet changing priorities;
• Recognizes the roles and services of each City department to make appropriate referrals;
• Performs other related duties assigned.

• Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities;
• Ability to determine work procedures, assigning duties, maintaining harmonious relations and promoting efficiency;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
• Pass required tests for certifications as a condition of employment;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and Ability to take actions of others, requiring almost constant decisions affecting coworkers, crime victims, patients, customers, clients or others in the general public; works in a moderately fluid environment with guidelines and rules, but frequent variations from the routine;
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing; use tact, discretion, and sensitivity in dealing with sensitive situations.