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Senior Investigator - Internal Applicants Only

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Senior Investigator - Internal Applicants Only

Salary

$50,480.00 Annually

Location

IN 46203, IN

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

09161

Department

Marion County Public Defender's Agency

Opening Date

06/04/2025

Closing Date

6/9/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

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Position Summary

*INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY*

Performs skilled investigative work under direct attorney supervision involving the collection and evaluation of evidence relative to active cases before the Marion County Public Defender Agency.

The City of Indianapolis prioritizes and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. This position values diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city whom they serve.

Position Responsibilities

Conducts under direct attorney supervision a full range of criminal investigations which may include homicides, robberies, sexual assaults, crimes against children, property crimes, narcotics, etc. Ascertains, locates and obtains necessary case related documents. Reviews case information, police reports, photographs, supporting documents, forensic evidence and witness statements to plan and conduct investigations. Aid in securing documents and witnesses for deposition and trial, including certified copies of documents, pictures, reports, photographs and other documentary evidence through the appropriate channels.

Manages under attorney supervision a large case load in an accurate and timely manner; sets priorities and balances the competing aspects of urgent requests; maintains detailed records concerning work performed, work still to be completed and deadlines. Drafts and files legal documents, including but not limited to subpoenas, appearances, and other motions at the Deputy Public Defenders’ directives. Creates and maintains electronic files on the Agency’s database system. Creates and maintain case files, and close files at end of case.

Works under direct supervision of the attorney assigned to the case in preparation for trial including maintaining all necessary investigative files; reading, reviewing and analyzing pertinent police reports for investigative sufficiency; assisting the attorney in reviewing the case and providing detailed information relative to the investigation in a thorough and professional manner. Create and maintain notes on all activities performed on a case, for inclusion in the case file and for time keeping purposes. May assist Deputy Public Defenders in court by taking notes, assisting with client family members, and providing basic information at the direction of the attorneys. Expected to be available during the trials of the cases to which they are assigned.

Identifies, locates, tracks and interviews witnesses, victims and defendants. Provides assistance in preparing clients and witnesses for court hearings/trial. Takes statements and conducts interviews either in the field or office and creates related reports. May be required to visit clients and witnesses in jail. Confers with attorneys on the reliability and credibility of witnesses; helps prepare witness testimony. Interviews law enforcement officers and others who may have official or professional information relevant to a legal defense.

Establishes and maintains equitable working relationships with agencies, groups and individuals, both public and private, including varied social service and education agencies; coordinates efforts of the agency with these entities.

Gains and maintains current knowledge in a broad scope of forensic fields including DNA analysis, photography, video graphic evidence (surveillance/body cams), fingerprints, eyewitness identification, digital media from lap tops, smart phones, tablets, social media searches, self-defense and use of force issues, interpretation of crime scene photography/measurements/CAD drawings and all other applicable areas.

Utilizes a variety of electronic equipment and tools, including computers, digital voice recorders, digital cameras, video cameras and recorders, GPS systems, and other related software applications and web-based resources to search for information and potential leads helpful in locating individuals pertinent to the case, including researching and locating expert witnesses. Downloads, opens, converts and copies a large variety of digital media.

Inspects, evaluates and reworks crime scenes, including measuring, sketching and photographing the crime scene. Documents observations, evidence and prepares diagrams, charts and scale drawings for use as exhibits in court.

May prepare demonstrative evidence for courtroom presentations; transport witnesses; provide courtroom testimony as needed.

At the direction of the attorney assigned to the case, gathers, marks, records and preserves physical evidence; determines the importance and relevance of the evidence in investigations; identifies the need to collect additional evidence and does so only as directed by the supervising attorney.

Develops a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement practices and communications including understanding radio traffic, Computer Aided Dispatch reports, policy/procedure for local agencies and familiarity with law enforcement structure and idioms.

Processes service, including serving subpoenas to individuals and other entities such as businesses, health care providers, government agencies, and other organizations.

Establishes and maintain rapport with those elements within society which possess information beneficial to the work of the agency and positions.

May conduct surveillance to locate and develop information material to the case. Performs other related investigative duties as assigned.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in criminology, sociology or related field is preferred, but will substitute equivalent years of experience in lieu of formal education. Must be able to communicate effectively orally and written. Ability hold and maintain a valid Indiana Driver’s License. Ability to objectively gather, compile, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions and formulate sound recommendations. Determine priorities and importance of various types of evidence. Quickly take accurate and extensive notes of interviews, prepare thorough and accurate reports. Occasionally work unusual hours including weekends and holidays as needed to complete investigations. Relate at a calm, respectful, diplomatic and effective level with a wide range of people from varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Recognize potentially hostile situations; adapt to a wide variety of environments. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information gathered. Learn and adapt to changing technology and methods. Maintain a high degree of organization for tracking caseloads with digital records.

Skilled in the use of computers, smart phones, tablets, cameras, video recorders and other electronic devices and their associated media. Familiarity with Outlook, MS Word, Excel and other Windows software.

Independent Judgment

Independent judgment is utilized when there are no available policies and procedures. Incumbents must rely on experience, judgment and timelines to plan and accomplish tasks in a timely manner. The position requires the ability to work independently, under direct supervision and with a team.