Investigator

The Iacp; Crystal Falls (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Iron Defense seeks an Investigator to perform independent investigations to support the legal defense of indigent clients. You will gather evidence, interview witnesses, review documents, and collaborate with attorneys to present findings in court.

The role requires a Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice (or equivalent) and licensure as a private investigator. Prior two years' experience is preferred; candidates must maintain confidentiality and operate under office policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or equivalent experience required.
• Licensure as a private investigator must be secured upon accepting the position.
• Two years of prior investigation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations in a variety of criminal cases to support legal defense.
• Interview witnesses, victims, and others; collect and evaluate evidence.
• Maintain complete records and prepare investigative reports.
• Collaborate with attorneys to maintain up-to-date case facts and findings.
• Serve subpoenas and act as liaison to police agencies as needed.
• Testify in court on matters related to findings and evidence.

Skills

Investigations

Interview witnesses

Evidence handling

Legal collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice

Tools

Public databases

Case management software

Filing systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Investigator performs investigations to support the legal representation of clients at Iron Defense, a nonprofit organization that contracts with Iron, Delta, and Dickinson Counties to provide exceptional legal representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges. This position conducts independent investigations on behalf of indigent defendants, working closely with attorneys to uncover, document, and present evidence that supports the client's defense.

Essential Job Functions

1. Conducts investigations of a wide variety of criminal cases to provide support for legal defense. Reviews documents in criminal cases and identifies, evaluates, and collects information, data, and evidence. Visits scenes, develops leads, interviews witnesses, victims, law enforcement officials, representatives of agencies and other particulars to gather states and information on events surrounding cases; this includes visiting and interviewing patients, mentally ill clients, doctors and members of the family; and serves subpoenas.
2. Collects and evaluates physical and material evidence and discusses findings with attorneys to determine crime connection and admissibility in trial; takes photographs and measurements, locates witnesses, conducts background investigations and uncovers inconsistencies during the course of the investigation; testifies in court on matters regarding evidence and investigate findings.
3. Maintains complete records of investigative activities; this may include the contacts made, findings of evidence, collected statements, description of scenes, analysis of cases, and other information relevant to the defense; and prepares investigative reports.
4. Attends meetings, as directed.
5. Interview witnesses, visit the scenes of incidents, and otherwise conduct investigations as directed.
6. Collaborate regularly with attorneys to maintain up-to-date facts on each case.
7. Locating suspects or witnesses through public database searches, social media, and other sources.
8. Utilize computer databases, software, and filing systems to prepare cases for trial.
9. Conduct and maintain contact with outside witness sources including through social media.
10. Function as liaison to local police agencies.
11. May observe witness or suspect interrogations by other investigators or attorneys.
12. Show commitment to client confidentiality.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.

This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified at any time.

Education and Experience

A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in criminal justice is required; two years of prior experience is preferred. All candidates must secure licensure as a private investigator upon accepting the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to work compassionately and respectfully with clients in crisis.
• Experience working with individuals from multi-ethnic communities.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Possess a demonstrated commitment to social justice issues and/or indigent defense.
• Ability to operate technology to search and retrieve information.
• Ability to operate digital equipment such as phones, computer, fax, calculator, printer, copier, scanner, digital video and digital cameras, cell phone extractions, video editing.
• Utilize services of interpreters as necessary to communicate with clients, witnesses and other persons related to the case.
• Maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
• Accept direction and follow office policies and procedures.
• Work independently as well as collaboratively in a legal services team atmosphere.

Additional Requirements

• Must maintain regular, reliable and predictable attendance
• Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to access all courtrooms within Iron, Delta, and Dickinson Counties
• Comfortable with the daily use of technology
• Ability to perform responsibilities without additional clerical support, if necessary
• May be assigned to work in any public defender office or court location
• Comfortable working with individuals charged and/or convicted of a variety of criminal offenses, including in community and jail settings

This description is intended to describe the type and level of work to be performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the individual employed with Iron Defense.