What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Investigator III position at City of Mesa, AZ?
Description/Duties
This recruitment will be used to fill a vacancy in the Financial Crimes Unit.
A Police Investigator III performs responsible investigative work within the Criminal Investigations Division of the Police Department. An employee in this role is responsible for conducting thorough investigations into criminal activities. This involves collecting and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with law enforcement and legal professionals. By compiling detailed reports that document all findings, they provide essential accounts of crimes that are crucial for building strong cases. Their work not only supports law enforcement efforts but also plays a vital role in aiding successful prosecutions. The Police Investigator III frequently handles questions from defense attorneys and provides recommendations to prosecutors and probation officials regarding jail sentencing and restitution. This position will also assist the unit supervisor as needed. This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.
Financial Crimes Unit: A Police Investigator III assigned to the Financial Crimes Unit performs detailed investigations of felony cases involving bad checks (NSF, closed account), forgery, fraud-related theft, credit card-related crimes, identity theft, counterfeit currency, and fraudulent schemes (local and international). Specific duties include reviewing evidence such as: bank statements and cancelled checks; reviewing crime reports; conducting investigative interviews with suspects, victims, and witnesses; writing initial and supplementary police reports; obtaining, serving, and returning all types of subpoenas; testifying in court; assist with writing search warrants; preparing cases for prosecution; submitting items into evidence; filing charges with the County Attorney's Office; and recommending dispositions for cases.
The Police Investigator III is a civilian classification that performs police work without having the power of arrest. This classification is unique in that it is the only civilian position authorized by the County Attorney’s Office to sign as the complainant on criminal complaints as a sworn officer does. A Police Investigator III is the Police Department’s liaison with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (by assignment). Work requires considerable independence, initiative, and judgment in performing the investigations and related duties. Supervision is typically received from a sworn employee in the Criminal Investigations Division who reviews work through direct observation, reports, meetings, and results achieved. This class is FLSA nonexempt.
Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City’s shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from high school or GED. Considerable (3 - 5 years) investigative experience for a law enforcement agency OR a minimum of two years’ sworn law enforcement experience involving investigations in the related assignment area. Financial Crimes Assignment: considerable (3 - 5 years) experience conducting investigations in a financial institution may substitute for the required years of experience in a law enforcement setting.
Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to successfully complete a psychological evaluation.
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Preferred/Desirable Qualification. Experience investigating bad checks, forgery, credit card fraud, fraudulent schemes, or interpreting financial records is preferred (Financial Crimes assignment).
