Public Defender Investigator

Classification Title

Public Defender Investigator

Salary

$58,181.33 - $75,252.70

Department

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date

03/27/2025

Closing Date

04/10/2025 12:00 a.m.

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - Overtime pursuant to Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

General Summary

Under direction, assists attorneys to prepare cases for court proceedings and trial. Locates witnesses, conducts witness interviews, visits crime scenes, makes measurements, takes photos, conducts extensive background checks through various sources and networks using appropriate methods and technology. Attends court hearings as directed and testifies as needed. Serves subpoenas.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Meets with and develops relationships with clients to procure leads for investigatory information.

Investigates case issues, and takes appropriate action, including but not limited to, taking photos, making measurements, obtaining evidence, reviewing prosecution/police evidence, and reviews police procedures.

Visits crime scenes, locates witnesses, interviews witnesses, and surveils witnesses as appropriate.

Examines records to identify critical information and detect trial issues, including admissibility and chain of evidence issues.

Assists attorneys with presentation of evidence at trial, which includes providing support for use of courtroom technology.

Assists attorneys with both presenting evidence and examination of witnesses at court hearings.

Testifies in court or at administrative proceedings concerning the findings of investigations.

Serves subpoenas and/or other official papers.

Gathers financial, medical, and other information as part of conducting a criminal investigation.

Searches for and assists in locating and interviewing clients and witnesses.

Prepares and presents reports of findings in a clear, logical and properly documented manner.

Assists in investigations of a confidential nature.

Reviews case files to determine and assist appropriate necessary actions.

Conducts background checks of individuals through various database searches.

Maintains contact with key people involved in cases.

Assists in the examination of records, including recorded interviews, jail calls, business records, prior convictions, or other available records and documents.

Reports periodically to appropriate leadership on the progress of investigations.

Maintains continuing education and training to keep up with the latest changes and innovations.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Equivalent (GED)
• Minimum of five (5) year of investigative experience
  
  

Preferred Education And Experience

• Associate’s degree from an accredited university or college
  
  

Required Licenses Or Certifications

• Professional Investigator License through the State of Michigan
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and an operable insured automobile for authorized travel
  
  

Knowledge Of

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

• Computers and Microsoft Office software
• Latest Courtroom presentation software, video and audio editing
• Applicable software applications and digital evidence
• Legal terminology and court procedures
• Principles and practices of basic bookkeeping
• Law enforcement policies and procedures
• Chain of Custody requirements
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
  
  

Skill In

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Interviewing techniques
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
  
  

Ability To

• Effectively speak, write, and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written direction
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Work on and manage a large number and variety of cases
• Work independently on tasks assigned
• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: O

Street environment (near moving traffic): O

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S

Loud noises (85 decibels): O

Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): N/S

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: N/S

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees). Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S

Digging: N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: O

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O

Kneeling to work at low levels: O

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move Objects From One Level/position To Another

Up to 10 pounds: F/C

Up to 35 pounds: F/C

More than 50 pounds: N/S

Over 100 pounds: N/S

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: N/S

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): N/S

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

Standing in an upright position without movement: O

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

General Requirements And Disclaimers

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.

GRANT OR EXTERNALLY FUNDED POSITION –This position will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are provided.