Investigator

Office of the Colorado State Public Defender; Golden, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Colorado State Public Defender is seeking an entry-level Investigator I to learn and apply organization, procedures, and investigative techniques under direct supervision. You will support the defense team by collecting information, preparing case files, and coordinating interviews with witnesses.

You will develop skills in interviewing, documentation, and courtroom support while maintaining ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Entry-level role learning policies, procedures and techniques under supervision.
• Develops documentation practices and case file organization.
• Gains exposure to witness interviews and defense strategy discussions.

Responsibilities

• Learns to organize and prepare case files for investigations.
• Gathers information through interviews and review of discovery.
• Collaborates with attorneys to establish defense strategy.
• Maintains regular communication with attorneys and tracks case status.
• Develops skills in fieldwork and documentation of investigations.
• Supports trial preparation and witness coordination.
• Learns cost procedures and releases/Documents applicable forms.
• Travels within Colorado as needed.
• Attends trainings and meetings.

Skills

Case file management

Interviewing witnesses

Collaboration with defense team

Ethical conduct

Time management

Courtroom procedures

Documentation

Tools

Audio recording devices

Maps

Cameras

Legal reference tools

Job description

This position describes the first level within the series wherein employees learn and apply policies, procedures, rules and regulations specific to the organization and relevant techniques, methods and/or theories of the profession. Positions work under direct supervision, to include regular guidance, review and oversight by supervisors and more experienced staff, while learning fundamental skills and technical aspects of the work. It is expected that employees will develop the necessary competencies to assume the duties and responsibilities at the Investigator II level. Positions should not remain in this class indefinitely.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learns procedures and develops skills in organizing and preparing case files to effectively manage assigned investigations. Copies of information in the attorney’s files including client information, case numbers, court dates, charges, discovery, bond information, and attorney notes from client conferences. Tracks pertinent case information by breaking down or indexing files to effectively manage caseloads and quickly and easily access or reference case information.
• Learns procedures and develops skills in preparing for the investigation and witness/victim interviews. Reviews and organizes discovery and meets with attorneys and clients to gather information relevant to locating and interviewing witnesses.
• Serves as a collaborative member of the defense team: Consults with attorneys on the theory of defense including applicable case law and potential ethical issues to establish a strategy for the investigation and interviews.
• Maintains regular and timely communications with attorneys to keep apprised as to the status of the case, court dates, witness information, and progress on the investigation; and, to seek clarification on investigation requests in order to prioritize and complete assigned tasks within appropriate timelines.
• Develops skills and practice habits to maintain thorough documentation of all aspects of work performed.
• Develops and maintains clear understanding of all ethical issues implicated in work performed, and consults with attorneys and managers as required.
• Develops skills in investigative techniques and methods for conducting fieldwork to collect client records; serve subpoenas; examine crime scenes; view physical evidence; conduct interviews; and, prepare reports of the interviews and fieldwork. Documents and verifies elements of the crime scene and evidence viewed. Applies established policies and procedures such as, obtaining signed releases from the client; obtaining records at a minimal cost; and documenting records received.
• Maintains and utilizes tools and equipment for conducting investigations including, but not limited to, audio recording devices, cameras, standard computer and office equipment, measurement tools, and maps.
• Provides trial and hearing support: Assists in preparing exhibits for trial or sentencing. Ensures appropriate clothing is available for the client. Coordinates witness appearances including providing updates on trial status and court dates and assisting with travel arrangements, as needed. Develops a working knowledge of courtroom procedures. Assists in sentencing preparation by researching treatment placement options and coordinating with probation services as needed.
• Learns mandated cost procedures and State Office policy and procedures to accurately process and submit applicable forms and paperwork.
• Learns and applies appropriate skills necessary in testifying accurately and truthfully on behalf of the defense.
• Performs post-trial tasks such as following up with witnesses after testifying, canvassing the jury for their impressions, and returning client clothing to family members as requested by the attorneys.
• Organizes daily activities to effectively manage time and resources, including the performance of work that falls outside normal business hours.
• Frequent travel within and occasionally outside the State of Colorado, including occasional overnight travel.
• Assists other regional offices in conducting investigations, as assigned.
• Attends meetings and trainings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.