What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Investigator I position at Aiken County (SC)?
JOB
This position is accountable for conducting investigations of criminal cases to ensure the proper defense of criminal offenses of indigents. This includes responding to crime scenes when necessary.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Note: The list below is not comprehensive; this job is also responsible for other duties as assigned. 1. Evaluation of criminal cases – The incumbent must have a full understanding of the prosecutorial merit of the state’s case as presented. Therefore, the incumbent is responsible for interviewing the defendant and then follow up with interviewing any witnesses. Usually, the investigator will also interview the victim, attorneys involved, and any law enforcement or other agencies relevant to the case. 2. Evaluation of evidence – In the process of interviewing attorneys, law enforcement, or other agencies involved, the incumbent will legally obtain any evidence and reports on the case. This information must be thoroughly evaluated against current case law, and when necessary, researched through previous case law to determine the appropriate defense. 3. Preparation of Defense Strategy – Upon completion of the evaluation of all evidence, the incumbent assists the attorneys involved in preparing the appropriate defense strategy. In determining this, the incumbent stays in contact with the defendant to ensure the strategies developed will be acceptable to the court and the defendant. The incumbent will provide first-hand knowledge of the case obtained during the interviews and evaluation process and assist the attorney during the court proceedings with this information. This position operates with very limited supervision. The incumbent is expected to be an experienced professional with solid understanding of the laws and good judgment in case evaluation. The incumbent is free to contact witnesses, gather pertinent evidence, and negotiate possible plea deals with the defendant and solicitor. The solicitor will become involved in reviewing plea agreements with attorneys prior to them being delivered to the defendant. The solicitor would be contacted in the event the defendant contacts and obtain a different lawyer.The major challenge of this job is knowing the laws, and the different approaches other attorneys may take and using that information to assist in preparing the defense strategy. Further, the incumbent must be able to distinctly separate work and personal life, so as to remain composed throughout the most devastating situations. The incumbent is required to travel to high crime areas or scenes where they risk being mistaken for law enforcement and need to overcome the fear of personal injury or violence.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This job has specific physical requirements such as lifting, driving, ability to travel, etc. (Please specify in the box immediately below.) Hazards associated with visiting crime scenes and interviewing people during the investigative process.
This position is accountable for conducting investigations of criminal cases to ensure the proper defense of criminal offenses of indigents. This includes responding to crime scenes when necessary.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Note: The list below is not comprehensive; this job is also responsible for other duties as assigned. 1. Evaluation of criminal cases – The incumbent must have a full understanding of the prosecutorial merit of the state’s case as presented. Therefore, the incumbent is responsible for interviewing the defendant and then follow up with interviewing any witnesses. Usually, the investigator will also interview the victim, attorneys involved, and any law enforcement or other agencies relevant to the case. 2. Evaluation of evidence – In the process of interviewing attorneys, law enforcement, or other agencies involved, the incumbent will legally obtain any evidence and reports on the case. This information must be thoroughly evaluated against current case law, and when necessary, researched through previous case law to determine the appropriate defense. 3. Preparation of Defense Strategy – Upon completion of the evaluation of all evidence, the incumbent assists the attorneys involved in preparing the appropriate defense strategy. In determining this, the incumbent stays in contact with the defendant to ensure the strategies developed will be acceptable to the court and the defendant. The incumbent will provide first-hand knowledge of the case obtained during the interviews and evaluation process and assist the attorney during the court proceedings with this information. This position operates with very limited supervision. The incumbent is expected to be an experienced professional with solid understanding of the laws and good judgment in case evaluation. The incumbent is free to contact witnesses, gather pertinent evidence, and negotiate possible plea deals with the defendant and solicitor. The solicitor will become involved in reviewing plea agreements with attorneys prior to them being delivered to the defendant. The solicitor would be contacted in the event the defendant contacts and obtain a different lawyer.The major challenge of this job is knowing the laws, and the different approaches other attorneys may take and using that information to assist in preparing the defense strategy. Further, the incumbent must be able to distinctly separate work and personal life, so as to remain composed throughout the most devastating situations. The incumbent is required to travel to high crime areas or scenes where they risk being mistaken for law enforcement and need to overcome the fear of personal injury or violence.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This job has specific physical requirements such as lifting, driving, ability to travel, etc. (Please specify in the box immediately below.) Hazards associated with visiting crime scenes and interviewing people during the investigative process.
