Public Defender Investigator I

County of Santa Clara; California (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara seeks an Investigator Assistant to support the Office of the Public Defender. Under supervision, you will perform field investigations, interview witnesses, and gather evidence on behalf of indigents represented by the Public Defender.

Responsibilities include locating and interviewing witnesses, assembling evidence, and assisting in case preparation for defense. A valid California driver's license and related education/experience are required.

Qualifications

• Training/experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited junior college, plus 2 years in law enforcement or criminal investigation.
• Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Penology, Administration of Justice or closely related field, with courses in Administration of Justice.
• Bachelor's degree in any field and 1 year of experience as Investigator Assistant with the County of Santa Clara.

Responsibilities

• Investigates financial eligibility of applicants for Public Defender assistance.
• Locates and interviews witnesses.
• Assembles physical and documentary evidence.
• Inspects crime scenes to locate, identify, assemble, preserve, evaluate and record evidence.
• Interviews indigents represented by the Office of the Public Defender for detailed investigation.
• Acts as liaison with Federal, State and local agencies for corroborative evidence and testimony.
• Uses equipment such as recording devices and photographic equipment.
• Subpoenas witnesses and physical evidence.
• Develops sources of information and assists in case preparation for defense.
• Appears in court to testify as a witness.
• Dictates correspondence and reports.

Skills

Interview witnesses

Criminal investigation

Evidence collection

Court testimony

Field investigations

Report writing

Interagency liaison

Communication

Education

Junior college graduation + 2 years experience in law enforcement/investigation

Bachelor's in Criminology / Penology / Administration of Justice or related field

Bachelor's degree in any field + 1 year as Investigator Assistant

Job description

Under supervision, to perform field investigations, interview witnesses, gather evidence on behalf of indigents represented by the Office of the Public Defender.

NOTE: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an on-line examination tentatively scheduled for a seven day window that opens October 26, 2026.

• Investigates financial eligibility of applicants for Public Defender assistance;
• Locates and interviews witnesses;
• Assembles physical and documentary evidence;
• Inspects the scene of the alleged crime in order to locate, identify, assemble, preserve, evaluate and record evidence;
• Interviews indigents represented by the Office of the Public Defender for detailed information relative to requested investigation;
• Acts as liaison with and secures cooperation of Federal, State and local agencies and other sources of corroborative evidence and testimony;
• Uses special equipment such as sound intercepting and recording devices and photographic equipment;
• Subpoenas witnesses and physical evidence;
• Carries out courtesy investigations requested by other Public Defender agencies;
• Develops sources of information;
• Assists the Public Defender and his/her deputies in the preparation of cases for defense;
• Appears in court to testify as witness;
• Dictates correspondence and reports;
• Performs related work as required.

Training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited junior college, preferably supplemented by courses in criminology and criminal investigation, and two (2) years of experience performing law enforcement or criminal investigation work.

-OR-

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Penology, Administration of Justice or a closely related field such as Sociology, Psychology or Journalism, supplemented by courses in Administration of Justice.

-OR-

Possession of a Bachelor's degree in any field and one (1) year of experience comparable to an Investigator Assistant with the County of Santa Clara.

Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment.

Knowledge of:

• Practices and methods employed in criminal detection and criminal investigation;
• Laws and ordinances effective in the county relevant to the rules of arrest and evidence;
• Court procedures in criminal trials.

Ability to:

• Obtain information through interviews, interrogation, and observation;
• Convey information effectively through: dictation, written reports and verbal testimony before the Court;
• Relate tactfully, impartially, and courteously with the police, the District Attorney, other government agencies, and with the general public;
• Conduct investigations in challenging locations such as remote terrain inaccessible to vehicles and multistory buildings without elevators.