Investigative Support Specialist, (B272325-1), 209, Detective

The Investigative Support Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of technical and administrative tasks that support investigation operations. Employee gathers and compiles criminal research data; maintains records; organizes, tracks and processes data and equipment; and prepares reports.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

• Provides technical and administrative field support to certified law enforcement staff in the investigation of criminal activity
• Gathers, accesses, and shares crime scene data and electronically stored data used in the investigation of crimes 
• Acts as a liaison to prosecutor's office and other law enforcement agencies by processing and properly maintaining case files and forwards the case according for disposition upon completion of the case 
• Research criminal activity and data
• Compiles data from various sources
• Creates link charting and other visual aids for investigative and crime-based research projects
• Receives and processes citizens' information and tips concerning suspected illegal activity and research information for validity
• Enters data into criminal database sources and forwards actionable information to respective unit supervisor assignment and proper follow-up to be conducted
• Orders mug photos of targeted suspects from law enforcement agencies to support on-going criminal investigations
• Assists staff with transporting, preparing, installing, using, monitoring and storing specialized equipment, such as surveillance devices
• Provides testimony, statistical reports, and other information or evidence gathered during investigation in court proceedings
• Submits request for lab processing of evidence, such as latent prints, footwear/tire impressions, firearms evidence, blood and other physiological fluids, DNA evidence, controlled substances and other trace evidence (such as: hair, fibers and gunshot residue) 
• Collects and identifies evidence following profession standards, department orders, and guidelines in regard to evidence handling
• Prepares diagrams, charts, and photos for court presentations with the use of special equipment and computer programs
• Testifies in trials and depositions
• Will operate department vehicle, portable two-way radio, flashlight, computer equipment, email, telephone, voice mail, cameras (still and video), surveillance equipment, film processors, measuring devices, and sophisticated computer software
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to operate department vehicle, portable two-way radio, flashlight, computer equipment, email, telephone, voice mail, cameras (still and video), surveillance equipment, film processors, measuring devices, and sophisticated computer software
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather and environmental conditions
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups who come from diverse backgrounds and represent members of the public, co-workers, and/or vendors
• Ability to use independent judgement, discretion, and be self-motivated
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements
 Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.        Occasional outside work.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations 
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Never

• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Warehouse environment
• Other: ______

 Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Vehicles

Exposures 
Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
 
Never

• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Communicable diseases

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel 
Position will require the employee to travel
 
Never

• International travel

Seldom

• National travel

Sometimes

• Regional travel

Frequently

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited* college or university in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Sociology, or related field 
• At least one (1) year of experience in crime scene processing, lab technician, supervision, handling computer/technical equipment, report writing, or oral presentations.

Foreign Education: 

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note: The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Required Education and Experience

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable. 

 


City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.