INVESTIGATOR, PUBLIC DEFENDER
Fulton County Government, Atlanta, GA, United States
Public Defender Investigator
The public defender investigative team provides support, resources, and security to assigned Assistant Public Defenders in the investigation and preparation of felony, appeals and juvenile cases for indigent clients of Fulton County. The position conducts investigations, collects and analyzes evidence, assists with court filings, and collaborates with multiple agencies to gather information and facilitate case strategy.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field.
At least three (3) years of experience in law enforcement or investigative work, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Valid Georgia driver’s license.
Knowledge of federal, state and local criminal laws, court rules, and investigative techniques.
Familiarity with the metropolitan Atlanta area and its geography.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interviewing, interrogating and persuading.
Specific Licenses or Certifications
Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification is not required but will be considered.
Responsibilities
Assists Assistant Public Defenders in investigations and case preparation: reviews case files, identifies tasks, drafts and executes court orders, collects, secures and analyzes evidence, and maintains chain of custody.
Uses investigative tools, resources and programs to obtain information, photographs or draws crime scenes, assists with home evaluations, compiles witness lists, and consults on defense strategy.
Serves subpoenas and ensures client, victim and witness appearances at court; assists with interviews and obtains cooperation; translates for attorneys when needed.
Provides transportation and security for attorneys, clients, social workers and witnesses.
Provides assistance and advocacy to indigent clients by offering information, updates on case status, and referrals.
Collaborates with law enforcement, courts, and the public to gather information, coordinate efforts and raise awareness.
Prepares and compiles investigative documents: incident reports, prior convictions, criminal histories, lab reports, witness statements, financial records, case summaries, and evidence requests.
Stays current on investigative techniques, crime trends and courtroom procedures through seminars, training courses and certifications.
Operates vehicles, cameras, radios, surveillance equipment, personal computers, and office equipment as required.
Performs any other related duties as assigned.
Performance Aptitudes
Data Utilization – Review, classify, prioritize and analyze data, exercising discretion based on established standards.
Human Interaction – Apply persuasion principles to coordinate programs, resolve problems and influence others.
Equipment Utilization – Operate, maneuver and control equipment, machinery, and tools needed for the role.
Verbal Aptitude – Communicate information effectively through reference, description and advisement.
Mathematical Aptitude – Perform basic calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, percentages and related measurements.
Functional Reasoning – Apply principles of motivation, incentive and leadership; exercise independent judgment to develop problem‑solving approaches.
Situational Reasoning – Exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity when evaluating information that is not clearly measurable.
It is the policy of Fulton County that there will be equal opportunity for every citizen, employee and applicant, based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, genetics, age, disability or sexual orientation.
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Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field.
At least three (3) years of experience in law enforcement or investigative work, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Valid Georgia driver’s license.
Knowledge of federal, state and local criminal laws, court rules, and investigative techniques.
Familiarity with the metropolitan Atlanta area and its geography.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interviewing, interrogating and persuading.
Specific Licenses or Certifications
Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification is not required but will be considered.
Responsibilities
Assists Assistant Public Defenders in investigations and case preparation: reviews case files, identifies tasks, drafts and executes court orders, collects, secures and analyzes evidence, and maintains chain of custody.
Uses investigative tools, resources and programs to obtain information, photographs or draws crime scenes, assists with home evaluations, compiles witness lists, and consults on defense strategy.
Serves subpoenas and ensures client, victim and witness appearances at court; assists with interviews and obtains cooperation; translates for attorneys when needed.
Provides transportation and security for attorneys, clients, social workers and witnesses.
Provides assistance and advocacy to indigent clients by offering information, updates on case status, and referrals.
Collaborates with law enforcement, courts, and the public to gather information, coordinate efforts and raise awareness.
Prepares and compiles investigative documents: incident reports, prior convictions, criminal histories, lab reports, witness statements, financial records, case summaries, and evidence requests.
Stays current on investigative techniques, crime trends and courtroom procedures through seminars, training courses and certifications.
Operates vehicles, cameras, radios, surveillance equipment, personal computers, and office equipment as required.
Performs any other related duties as assigned.
Performance Aptitudes
Data Utilization – Review, classify, prioritize and analyze data, exercising discretion based on established standards.
Human Interaction – Apply persuasion principles to coordinate programs, resolve problems and influence others.
Equipment Utilization – Operate, maneuver and control equipment, machinery, and tools needed for the role.
Verbal Aptitude – Communicate information effectively through reference, description and advisement.
Mathematical Aptitude – Perform basic calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, percentages and related measurements.
Functional Reasoning – Apply principles of motivation, incentive and leadership; exercise independent judgment to develop problem‑solving approaches.
Situational Reasoning – Exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity when evaluating information that is not clearly measurable.
It is the policy of Fulton County that there will be equal opportunity for every citizen, employee and applicant, based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, genetics, age, disability or sexual orientation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr