CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR

EXEMPT - LEVEL 12

SALARY: $28.44

GENERAL DEFINITION: The primary responsibility of this position is to investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of local, state and federal laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution and enforcing law and order within the Zuni reservation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Work is performed under the immediate supervision of the Chief.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: No Supervisory Duties.

DUTIES:

Initiates and conducts investigations of alleged or suspected criminal violations of various federal, tribal, state, and local laws.

+ + Analyzes charges, complaints, and allegations of law violations to identify the issues involved and types of evidence needed.

• Obtains evidence or establish facts by interviewing, observing, and interrogating suspects and witnesses, analyzing records, and using a variety of sophisticated investigative equipment.

• Coordinates activities in determining scope, timing, and direction of investigations conducted, including use of confidential information.

• Notifies and works alongside federal agencies in the investigation of alleged violations of federal crimes.

• Coordinates work with other law enforcement jurisdictions.

• Examines records to detect links in the chain of evidence or information.

• Examines the crime scene when assigned to criminal cases.

• Takes photographs with still and motion cameras to record evidence and documents for use in investigations.

• Verifies information obtained to establish accuracy and authenticity of facts and evidence.

• Contacts employers, other law enforcement agencies, and other sources to obtain information concerning individuals under investigation.

• Investigates reports of missing persons and thefts.

  Reviews patrol officer reports and referrals for further investigations by Criminal Investigators.

• Reports critical information to coordinate activities with other officers, law enforcement agencies, and offices, when applicable.

• Develops investigation reports and other reports.

• Compiles police officer reports to be referred to Federal Agencies for Federal prosecution or investigation.

• Determines if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

• Reviews and presents verbal and written reports and accounts of findings in clear, logical, impartial, and properly documented reports.

  Enforces various laws in cooperation with other law enforcement personnel and agencies.

• Obtains, serves, and uses subpoenas, warrants, and other official papers for search and arrest.

• Conducts searches, seizures, and arrests of alleged violators of various laws.

• Arrests alleged violators of various laws.

• Gathers, prepares, and presents evidence and findings in court and testifies as an expert witness.

• Provides witnesses for cases brought to court.

• Testifies before Federal grand juries and in other courts.

• Assists in preparing reports and submits daily, monthly, and yearly.

  Completes background investigations through the National Crime Information Center for all law enforcement employees and applicants in addition to those conducted by the Human Resources Department.

• Prepares certain administrative documents.

• Performs other duties as assigned or necessary.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Knowledge of principles and practices of crime prevention and law enforcement activities. Knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures; laws of arrest, search, and seizure; rules of evidence and court procedures; and legal rights of citizens. Thorough knowledge of federal, tribal, and state, laws and regulations. Knowledge of drug and alcohol trends and abuse; techniques of criminal enterprise; state and federal criminal codes including the Uniform Controlled Substance Act and/or the Alcohol Beverage Control Act; first aid. Demonstrated ability to operate motor vehicles in surveillance, pursuit, and in adverse weather conditions. Strong analytical skills along with good interviewing skills. Must be a good listener and have the ability to read body language. Ability to use various form of equipment or technology. Critical thinking, deductive reasoning, social perceptiveness and problem-solving skills. Honest and ethical with high levels of integrity and confidentiality. Demonstrated ability to conduct investigations; gather and analyze facts and evidence and prepare case reports and recommendations. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Ability to write narrative reports. Ability to testify in court. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with tribal employees, co-workers, tribal employees, outside agencies and the general public.

  TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science with two (2) years of experience in criminal investigations. OR Associates Degree in Police Science with four (4) years of experience in criminal investigations. OR High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED) with six (6) years of work experience in patrol as a police officer which two (2) years must have been investigation type work.

  LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION: Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver’s License with no DUI/DWI convictions within the past three (3) years. Driving is an essential part of the duties.

• Must be BIA Certified as a Police Officer and/or be New Mexico certified as a Peace Officer.

• Must complete a 12-week Basic Criminal Investigator training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

• Must be certified in all the areas listed within a year of employment: ASP Baton, Accident Reconstruction, CPR (Basic), Criminal Investigation, Crime Scene Management, Customer Service, Defensive Driving, Defensive Tactics, First Responder, Haz-Mat Awareness and Operations, Fire & Arson Investigations, Homicide Investigation (Basic and Advanced), Instructor Development, Interviewing and Interrogation (Basic and Advanced), First Line Supervisor, Keyboarding (Basic), Leadership, Officer Survival, Pepper Spray, Stress Management

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position requires minor physical exertion such as periods of standing, walking over rough uneven surfaces, some recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities. The position may require recurring lifting of lightweight objects with infrequent bending or stooping alternating with the lighter activities. The position requires minimal agility and dexterity. Occasional exposure to objectionable conditions or variations such as those found in variable weather conditions or light industrial settings. Incumbents are exposed to weather extremes and physical danger, including raids, surveillance, and vehicular pursuits over all types of terrain.

  CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Position is subject to Pre-Employment drug testing. Position is Safety Sensitive and will be subject to random drug screening for duration of employment, in compliance with Pueblo of Zuni Drug Free Workplace Policy. Must undergo and successfully pass a thorough background investigation and FBI Fingerprint Check. Must pass a conditional post-offer of employment physical examination. Must pass a conditional post-offer-of employment psychological evaluation. Subject to annual post-offer-of employment physical examination. On call 24 hours. Must be willing to work shifts, weekends, & holidays. Night, weekend, and holiday work is required.