Jurisdiction: Cortland County

Jurisdictional Class: Competitive

Adopted: 10/20/05

Revised: 12/11/08

INVESTIGATOR (PUBLIC DEFENDER)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves responsibility for securing, verifying, and ascertaining facts relevant to services provided by the Public Defender’s Office. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Defender or Assistant Public Defenders according to established procedures. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Interviews witnesses to alleged crimes and family court offenses including the

defendant, complainants, friends and relatives of the defendant, police

officers and other witnesses;

Prepares written reports summarizing the results of investigations ;

Investigates the personal and financial status of criminal defendants who have

applied to the courts for representation by the Public Defender;

Investigates the family and personal background of criminal defendants to gather

information utilized to support recommendations for the setting of bail or for sentencing;

Serves subpoenas as directed;

May attend and testify at trials.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of the techniques of criminal investigations;

Good knowledge of the elements of crime and rules of evidence and elements of

the defense of crimes;

Ability to gather and verify relevant data;

Ability to communicate effectively;

Ability to prepare clear and detailed written reports;

Ability to exercise good judgement;

Physical condition commensurate with the duties of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either:

(a) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one

accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with

an Associate’s degree, which shall include at least 15 credit hours in criminal justice, paralegal or legal studies; or

(b) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency

diploma and two (2) years of experience in an investigative position related to court proceedings*; or

(c) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the

limits of (a) and (b).

*two (2) years of experience as a Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff or other law enforcement officer whose duties have included criminal investigation may be substituted for experience in an investigative position related to court proceedings.