Public Safety Investigator

City of Union; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Union seeks a seasoned public safety officer to conduct follow‑up criminal investigations and perform specialized firefighting duties. The role includes interviewing witnesses, securing scenes, collecting evidence, and operating fire apparatus as needed.

Ideal candidates have three years of investigations and firefighting experience, plus required certifications and a valid CDL. State and local laws are enforced, with emphasis on public safety and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED with law enforcement/firefighting training.
• Three years of experience in criminal investigations and firefighting or an equivalent combination.
• Must possess and maintain South Carolina certifications and licenses as described in job posting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct follow-up investigations including interviews of witnesses, victims and suspects.
• Secure crime scenes, collect evidence, and assist in complex investigations.
• Perform firefighting duties and drive fire apparatus when required.
• Patrol designated areas, deter crime, and assist in enforcement activities.
• Process reports, logs, and records and coordinate with other agencies.

Skills

Interviewing

Interpersonal communication

Critical thinking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CDL license

Job description

Description

Purpose of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to conduct follow up investigations and interrogations on criminal activities. Incumbents in this class are assigned more complex and sensitive cases. Acts as a public safety officer by protecting and serving the citizens of the City of Union. Enforces state and local laws. Incumbents are also expected to perform specialized firefighting work, which may involve driving fire pumpers and ladder trucks and operating firefighting apparatus. Engages directly in fire prevention and firefighting activities to protect and safeguard lives and property. Work involves an element of personal danger. Reports to the Captain - Investigations.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts follow-up investigations: reviews current incident reports; conducts interviews in person and over the phone of witnesses, victims, suspects, reporting officers, and others; utilizes a variety of computer programs and websites to gather information and data; performs related clerical duties such as completing incident reports, supplemental report forms, obtaining rap sheets and warrants, etc.

Conducts preliminary, routine, and complex and sensitive investigations at the scenes of crimes: secures crime scenes; photograph scenes; searches for and obtains latent fingerprints; collects DNA evidence; gathers other evidence as required; conducts accident, larceny, burglary, arson and other investigations as assigned; and locates and questions witnesses in court.

Reviews and researches police files for court purposes: prepares a variety of information for court, to include warrants, subpoenas, testimony, etc.

Acts in the capacity of a police officer as needed, which involves patrolling a designated area of the City in a patrol car; prevents and discovers commission of crime; apprehends and arrests criminals and offenders; enforces vehicle and traffic laws; conducts property checks when residents are out of town; and makes police presence known in a manner that contributes toward deterrence of law violations.

Answers calls and radio complaints involving automobile accidents, misdemeanors, felonies, burglaries and a wide variety of domestic-related disturbances involving, but not limited to, assistance with mentally or physically ill persons, neglected children, etc.: interviews persons with complaints and inquiries in attempts to make proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities.

Performs firefighting duties as needed or assigned: raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment; ventilates burning buildings; removes persons from danger and resuscitates if necessary; throws salvage covers; and removes debris.

Drives fire pumpers and ladder trucks to scene of a fire when required: cranks trucks; prepares for pumping operations by seeing that hydrant connections are made; pumps water to fire at designated pressure and sees that suction hose and fire hose are properly located; watches condition of motor and unit during operation; and makes necessary adjustments or changes.

Repairs and services fire stations and equipment: participates in training; inspects, maintains and cleans quarters; checks engine daily; and inspects pumping equipment, ignition, batteries, brakes and other equipment to see that the apparatus is in good working condition.

Transports prisoners as needed: transports doctors and nurses during inclement weather; and transports and/or escorts monies to and from banks.

Performs assignments and instructions in accordance with Departmental rules and regulations received, in general terms, from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, observations, and discussions.

Provides assistance to other officers and outside law enforcement agencies as needed.

Performs various animal control functions including capturing stray or deceased animals.

Attends required training classes, seminars and meetings: completes required online and hands‑on training; participates in fire drills; and attends classes in firefighting and first aid.

Receives, reviews and processes various reports and records including incident reports, supplemental reports, photographs, lab reports, evidence forms, fingerprints, rap sheets, training reports, vehicle maintenance reports, inspection reports, memos, correspondence, etc.; provides a data log; and enters information into a data base.

Refers to equipment check sheets, building inspections, fire reports, and emergency response guidebooks.

Operates, utilizes and maintains a variety of trucks, law enforcement equipment, and hand tools: utilizes patrol car, teletype, Data master, firearms, a variety of surveillance systems; fire equipment, air compressor, generators, fans, and self‑contained breathing apparatus, etc.; and operates various office machines including a calculator, computer, two‑way radio, etc.

Complies with established policies, procedures and safe work practices: follows safety training and instructions provided by supervisor; wears and maintains all personal protective equipment required for job; and immediately reports any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions, as well as any on‑the‑job injury or illnesses.

Additional Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

High school Diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in law enforcement and firefighting or a related field; supplemented by three years of experience in criminal investigations and firefighting; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required

Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including appropriate endorsement(s). Must possess and maintain Basic Law Enforcement and Investigator certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Must also possess and maintain the following certifications: Firefighter II (NFPA); CPR and First Aid; vehicle emergency response; emergency vehicle driver training; pump operations I; rapid intervention crew; positive pressure ventilation; pipeline emergencies; utility emergencies; and basic auto extrication.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities

Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes

Data Utilization

Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction

Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization

Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.

Verbal Aptitude

Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude

Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning

Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.

Situational Reasoning

Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability

Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and prolonged standing, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, explosives, firearms, violence, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

The City of Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.