CHIEF INVESTIGATOR

SUMMARY:

Performs intermediate protective service work in the Police Department; does related work as required. Supervises assignments received that usually consist of specific cases to be followed to conclusion, and normally close with the preparation of a case for prosecution. This aspect of the work distinguishes the Chief Investigator from other investigative police personnel who make preliminary investigations of cases at the scene of the crime. An incumbent of this position is responsible for managing the conduct of criminal investigations.

ESSENTIAL EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• Supervises the investigation of criminal violations, questioning witnesses and victims; gathering of crime data, processing of evidence, and development of informants; prepares and maintains detailed records; commands and manages crime scene.

• Works in collaboration and concert with local, state and federal agencies.

• Questions witnesses and complainants, examines and processes crime scenes.

• Serves warrants and makes arrests; pursue offenders on foot and or in a vehicle; use judgment in amount and type of force used.

• Supervises and performs functions of interrogation of suspects, gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, apprehension of violators, and testifying in court, taking of photographs, fingerprints, and related identification tasks.

• May be assigned to juvenile investigation, drug investigation, etc. as needed.

• Receives and processes evidence; requests laboratory analysis of certain evidence and maintains chain of custody.

• Manages property confiscation/seizure processes related to charged crimes.

• Testifies in court and legal proceedings; assists subordinates in preparation for court and legal proceedings.

• Performs internal affairs investigations.

• Prepares and maintains detailed reports, records and files.

• Develops informants for purposes of gathering intelligence.

• Performs public relations duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Directs and controls traffic when necessary; issues written citations; deals with citizen complaints; must make arrests when necessary.

• May make periodic public addresses; meet with the news media for interviews pertaining to police matters; attend meetings and serve on committees, boards and agencies related to promoting crime prevention and improving law enforcement.

• May patrol city, respond to service requests; enforce laws and ordinances.

• May perform CPR, and First Aid, as needed.

• May operate a patrol vehicle to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons and disturbances of law and order.

• May respond to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints.

• May issue citations for traffic violations.

• May provide police escorts, direct traffic; perform residential and commercial checks.

• May be required to work overtime hours and/or be on call and to be able to respond to emergencies within a reasonable time.

• May assist in conduct of police background investigations.

• Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of police department activities and services, including modern public safety techniques, crime prevention, emergency services, all applicable TCA codes, record keeping, and department administration.
  
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to police services.

• Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.

• Knowledge of Drug Fund requirements, and forfeiture/seizure statutes.

• Knowledge of incident command theory.

• Knowledge of basic principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

• Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of investigative personnel, and to delegate authority and responsibility.

• Ability to select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.

• Ability to provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Criminal Investigations Division.

• Ability to identify and respond to community, and Police Department Administrations concerns and needs.

• Ability to develop, implement and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient support services.

• Ability to properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies.

• Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

• Skill to make technical and emergency decisions quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.

• Skill to assist in preparation and administration of Drug Fund budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.

• Skill in analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals and emergent needs.

• Skill to prepare clear and concise operational, financial, and administrative reports.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other government officials, community groups, and the general public.

• Ability to lead and direct the activities of CID personnel, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City officials and with the general public.

• Thorough knowledge of police investigative techniques and techniques of identification.

• Thorough knowledge of rules of evidence and laws of search and seizure.

• Ability to analyze evidence; ability to question and interview skillfully.

• Skill in the use of firearms and the operation of motor vehicles.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, and some heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work may occasionally require climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, and typically standing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, and lifting; vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small detail, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is generally subject to inside environmental conditions, and occasionally outside environmental conditions, and may occasionally experience extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, hazards and atmospheric conditions. The worker may be exposed to blood borne pathogens, and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school; prefer post-secondary education at accredited university or college equivalent to a Bachelors Degree in criminal justice or comparable discipline.

Possession of an appropriate drivers license valid in the State of Tennessee. Ten (10) years experience in P.O.S.T. certified police work, of which three (3) years in an investigative police position is preferred.

Must meet Minimum Standards Law (TCA 38-8-106) requirements. Must be a citizen of the United States and meet the physical, psychological and criminal records and other standards for the assignment established by the Police Department.