Aiken County Sheriff's Office

AIKEN COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: INVESTIGATOR

INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION / SPECIAL VICTIMS

AIKEN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

JOB TYPE: FULL TIME

PAY: $59,875.81 – $83,826.12 per year w/o 4yr degree

$62,270.14 – $87,177.85 per year with 4yr degree

SPECIFIC STATEMENT OF JOB

Under occasional supervision, conducts investigations of crimes or suspected criminal activity committed in Aiken County in order to ensure enforcement of state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare; investigates cases involving juvenile offenders and/or victims; investigates cases involving vulnerable adults.  Performs related law enforcement work as required.  Works under stressful, high-risk conditions. Reports to the Lieutenant – Special Victims

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists the Lieutenant in coordinating with local, state and federal agencies the care and placement of child victims, the prosecution and transportation of juvenile offenders, and the prosecution of adult criminals.

Conducts thorough investigations of crimes involving juvenile offenders and/or victims.

Conducts thorough investigations of crimes involving vulnerable adults.

Responds to, secures and supervises crime scenes.

Reviews evidence and reports; obtains and serves search warrants and conducts searches of persons and property; obtains arrest warrants; apprehends and arrests suspects; interviews victims and witnesses; questions suspects; prepares statements; maintains communication with informants.

Participates in undercover operations, stakeouts and other surveillance activities.

Keeps supervisor informed of case developments and problems.

Maintains accurate case documentation.

Prepares cases for court; provides court testimony as necessary.

Assists other agencies and organizations in matters related to investigations of criminal activities.

Performs general law enforcement duties as necessary, including but not limited to patrolling assigned areas of the County, responding to public calls for assistance, maintaining order and public safety, checking residential and commercial properties for security, etc.

Maintains assigned equipment and vehicles.

Participates in public relations efforts as necessary to maintain a cooperative and positive relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and the community.

Attends periodic training sessions; maintains required level of proficiency in the use of firearms.

Receives and responds to citizens’ inquiries, concerns and complaints concerning law enforcement activities.

Receives and reviews various records and reports, including incident reports, investigative reports, warrant reports, court orders, hearing notices, activity reports, routine reports, case files, citizen complaints, use of force reports, subpoenas, memos, correspondence, etc.

Prepares various documents, including incident reports, request forms, case files, evidence records, use of force reports, investigative reports, case closings, warrant applications, warrant supplements, intelligence forms, and various other records, reports, memos, correspondence, etc.

Refers to policy and procedure manuals, codes, regulations, laws, maps, statutes, training manuals, etc.

Operates various types of office equipment, machinery and tools in the performance of duties such as a computer, printer, NCIC computer, camera, adding machine, radio equipment, telephones, tape recorder, fax machine, copier.  Operates/uses a variety of police equipment, including a police vehicle, firearms, etc.

Uses office and computer supplies, restraining devices, protective gear, fingerprint kit, gunshot residue kit, fire extinguisher, and a variety of police-issued materials and supplies.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals, such as the immediate supervisor, other department superior officers, co-workers, elected officials, other law enforcement agency personnel, other government agencies, attorneys, court personnel, community leaders, complainants, victims, witnesses, suspects, informants, social service agencies, community organizations, vendors, and the general public.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to attending meetings, preparing reports and correspondence, entering computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.

Performs other related duties as required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent (college degree preferred) supplemented by coursework in criminal justice / police science, plus a minimum of 2 years of experience in law enforcement, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have successfully completed required law enforcement coursework and hold required law enforcement / investigations certifications. At least 2 years of experience in an equivalent investigative position is preferred.  Must currently be certified by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy as a Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer.  Must possess a valid S.C. driver’s license.

ADA REQUISITES

Physical Requirements:   Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort, typically involving some combination of driving, walking, running, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which involves the lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 50 pounds), and occasionally heavy objects (100 pounds or more).  While performing police work, must be able to defend one’s self from assault and to restrain suspects of varying weights.

Data Conception:   Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communication:  Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange pertinent and vital information to co-workers.  Includes the receiving of information and instructions from supervisor.

Language Ability:  Requires ability to read a variety of law books, maps, policy and procedure manuals, warrants, criminal records, etc. Requires the ability to prepare reports, correspondence, records, etc. with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.  Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:  Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of instructions in mathematical, written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.  Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.  Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including law enforcement, investigations, etc.

Numerical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time.  Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:  Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape; identify degrees of similarity or difference in shades, forms, etc.; and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:  Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery, firearms and other special equipment; to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity:  Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, firearms, etc.  Must have significant levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination:  Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament:  Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency, unusual or dangerous situations, or in situations in which working speed and sustained attention are make or break aspects of the job. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a significant degree, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communications:  Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing:  perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has good knowledge of the policies, procedures and methods of the department.  Is able to work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others. Has knowledge of the structure, functions and inter-relationships of state and local law enforcement agencies. Has considerable knowledge of up-to-date law enforcement procedures; has thorough knowledge of investigative methods and procedures, rules of evidence and legal rights of accused persons; has specific knowledge of law enforcement and investigative methods used in cases involving juvenile offenders and/or victims.   Has considerable knowledge of firearms, automotive, radio and other law enforcement equipment.  Is skilled in the use and care of firearms. Has thorough knowledge of the methods used in the interrogation of witnesses and suspects and in the collection and preservation of evidence.  Is able to conduct effective surveillance operations. Has considerable knowledge of criminal behavior and methods of operation.  Has knowledge of civil process.  Is able to analyze problems that arise on the job and recommend solutions.  Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written and oral reports concisely, clearly and effectively.  Is able to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information.  Is able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of public and private groups and is persuasive in such communication.  Has sufficient knowledge of other County departments to communicate with their representatives as necessary in carrying out duties and responsibilities. Has the ability to deal courteously, yet firmly and effectively with the public in police situations.  Has knowledge of the layout of local roads and of the locations and characteristics of the various neighborhoods.  Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations accurately and quickly.  Is able to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.   Has knowledge of the standard tools, materials and practices of the trade.  Has skill in the care and use of required tools and equipment.  Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.

Quality of Work:  Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.  Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility.  Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work:  Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability:  Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work.   Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures.  Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:  Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:  Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities.  Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:  Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility.  Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives.  Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations.  Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.  Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:  Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same.  Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc.  Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others:  Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit.  Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees.  Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts.  Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will.  Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work:  Plans and organizes daily work routine.  Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.  Avoids duplication of effort.  Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly.  Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.  Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping:  Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards.  Ensures such standards are not violated.

DISCLAIMER:  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.