Job Specification
SHERIFF'S INVESTIGATOR
Unclassified
N.J.S.A. 40A: 9-117a
DEFINITION:
Under direction, performs one or more functions in the following areas:
maintaining order and security in the courtroom, serving court processes,
criminal identification, ballistics, investigations, apprehension of violators
of the law; forensics and other related assignments which may include
Emergency Management. As required by the operational needs of the
jurisdiction (County), may be assigned to perform other law enforcement
or public safety related duties outside the parameters of a courtroom
environment, which may include criminal investigations, patrol duties,
dispute intervention/resolution, public safety/service assistance, traffic
control and enforcement, motor vehicle accidents, etc., and/or other
assignments as determined by the appointing authority.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only.
A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this
job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
COURTROOM RELATED DUTIES:
Makes arrangements for the sequestering of juries such as arranging for
their lodging, food, and general welfare during trials.
Notifies and/or serves subpoenas witnesses and victims of crime before
scheduled court hearings to ensure their availability to testify.
Executes bench warrants when issued by the court in the failure of a
witness who has been subpoenaed to appear in court and who has
failed to obey said subpoena.
Guards prisoners in a courtroom and subdues, restrains, and physically
removes unruly individuals from a courtroom.
Performs the office and field work necessary to serve and execute writs
and other legal papers and documents such as court orders, summonses,
subpoenas, writs of attachment, writs of replevin, writs of arrest and
indictment, and such other documents directed to the Sheriff.
Executes writs requiring the detention of chattels or goods as directed
by the court.
Executes complaints directed by the Court.
Collects monies to satisfy legal debts as ordered by the court.
Posts notices of public sales, records daily writs, papers and documents
processed, served, and executed.
Serves warrants.
COURT TESTIMONY: PREPARATION AND APPEARANCE
Prepares to testify in court or grand jury by collecting documents, reports
and other evidence related to the case, reading all reports and notes, and
talking with other officers, supervisors, attorneys, and witnesses, in order
to ensure accuracy and effectiveness of testimony.
Testifies in court or grand jury proceedings by presenting facts and/or
evidence related to the case and by answering attorney's and judge's
questions in order to help insure the proper disposition of the case.
MOTOR VEHICLE INVESTIGATION:
Inspects and/or operates devices (lights, brakes, steering, tires, etc.),
of vehicles involved in accidents to determine if their operating condition
contributed to the cause of the accident.
At the scene of a motor vehicle accident, interviews operators, occupants,
and witnesses in order to help determine how, when, and why the accident
occurred.
Explains procedures that motor vehicle operators should follow concerning
insurance claims and filing accident forms.
Evaluates statements, facts, and evidence gathered at a motor vehicle
accident scene in order to determine if a summons should be issued.
Summons ambulance, wrecker, or other emergency equipment needed
at an accident scene.
Ensures accident scene is safe from disturbance.
May assist in removing dead or injured from wrecked and/or overturned
vehicles by manually lifting them.
May transport motor vehicle accident victims to the hospital when no
other emergency vehicle is available.
Measures the distance from the accident vehicles and markings made
by the vehicles to fixed points to determine the exact location, and
possible cause of the accident.
Sketches a rough diagram of the accident scene, showing movement
of vehicles and pedestrians before and after impact and location of
physical evidence in order to record this information for future investigation.
Completes accident report forms in order to officially record the results
of the investigation and to provide information to all parties involved.
Transports blood or urine samples of motor vehicle operators to police
labs in cases of suspicious auto accidents in order to obtain evidence
as to whether the operator was driving under the influence of drugs or
narcotics.
TRAFFIC CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC LAW
Drives patrol car in an unspecified pattern and at varying speeds in
order to increase police visibility and to discourage traffic violations
and other such occurrences.
Operates radar equipment in patrol unit in order to apprehend traffic
violators and/or criminals.
Pursues detected traffic violators and/or criminals, according to legal
guidelines.
Interviews or interrogates motor vehicle operators, and/or witnesses,
pedestrians, other vehicle occupants as appropriate.
Evaluates statements, facts, and evidence to determine if a traffic
summons should be issued as a result of an operator's actions.
Warns motor vehicle operators of observed traffic violations by orally
informing them of their actions and explaining related provisions of
the motor vehicle code, in order to discourage future violations.
Issues traffic summons to observed traffic violators, and explain the
violation and procedure for compliance, in order to enforce traffic
regulations.
Observes behavior and administers appropriate test(s) to suspected
violators in order to determine whether they are under the influence
of drugs, narcotics, or alcohol.
INVESTIGATION:
Interviews persons for physical descriptions and information for
recording on fingerprint cards, criminal records, alias cards, and
other required records.
May take, analyze, index, classify and file fingerprints and other
information for investigative purposes and/or processing purposes.
Takes and processes photographs, makes video recordings with
or without audio, photocopies records, documents and the like.
Take photographs of crimes; searches for and lifts latent prints.
Fingerprints dead and partially decomposed bodies for identification
purposes.
May assist with the exchange of information between federal, state,
county, and municipal law enforcement authorities by receiving,
transmitting, and preparing records and reports, using a variety of
communication techniques and equipment.
Enters, retrieves, and provides information about persons and vehicles
to law enforcement agencies via a computer terminal.
Testifies in court as a subject matter expert.
May take the lead over clerical or other personnel assigned to an
identification unit.
Maintains investigative files.
May examine bullets, bullet fragments, cartridge clips, and other evidence
to determine make and caliber of weapon.
Test fires weapons in evidence and compares test bullet with that found
at the scene of crime.
Conducts test firings to ascertain effect of bullet on material hit or the
depth of penetration.
Makes microscopic examination of bullets for comparison purposes.
Traces ownership of guns.
Attempts to restore obliterated serial numbers.
Repairs defective guns when necessary to test.
Writes reports on tests made.
Maintains records and files.
May operate a motor vehicle for transporting prisoners or other official
purposes.
Is responsible for the care, custody, and security of prisoners.
Makes certain that prisoners are properly manacled or otherwise
restrained.
Locates and apprehends violators of the law.
Conducts investigations of suspected criminal activities and prepares
reports of same.
Participates in raids.
May operate or serve as crew member on a boat, other vessel or aircraft
engaged in patrol, law enforcement, emergency management, search
and rescue or other official purposes.
May ride a horse or motorized type vehicle in performance of duties.
Conducts special and regular investigations as assigned.
Prepares property report on items to be used as evidence in order
to document its existence, characteristics, and availability.
Prepares investigative reports, or supplements for each phase of
an investigation in order to provide an official running record of the
investigation.
Completes request for examination of evidence forms, including a
narrative description of the crime and a checklist of evidence in order
to insure a thorough analysis of the evidence.
Collects and preserves evidence and/or various substances and materials.
Conducts classes and lectures on such matters as the use and abuse of
dangerous drugs such as narcotics, forensic topics, or other office functions.
Gives talks before various groups on a variety of law enforcement matters.
On assignment, may work with a task force which may require undercover
assignments.
Pursues individuals attempting to avoid apprehension.
May assist in the control of crowds at various gatherings or in civil
disorder control.
Provides security to persons and/or property at public functions and/or
other facilities.
Moves equipment associated with riot control such as tear gas generator,
barricades, weapons, ammunition, and so forth, and other materials and
supplies.
Operates a variety of communication equipment to provide continuity in
communications and proper flow of information between law enforcement
and public safety agencies.
Directs flow of vehicular traffic.
Conducts crime scene searches for physical evidence.
May conduct search and rescue operations using trained dogs and/or
other methods and equipment.
May investigate all areas involving explosives.
May become certified as a bomb technician through a Federal Agency.
May require to be capable of taking x-rays, processing evidence,
interpreting x-rays, knowledge of electrical components, and using
equipment to defuse an improvised explosive device, or any other
explosive element.
May become knowledgeable with all activities involving being a bomb
technician.
May become knowledgeable involving all areas involving terrorists both
international and domestic.
May serve on a Federal Task force
May serve as a member of a working group on a Federal, State, County,
or local public safety issues.
May be involved in a Federal, State, County, or Local Special Weapons
and Tactics (SWAT), Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT), Office
of Emergency Management, Hazmat Technician, Weapons of Mass
Destruction Technician, or related group.
May be involved in all areas of training that will allow for this task to
be completed.
ARRESTS
In accord with state statutes, may apprehend or arrest suspected
offenders.
Restrains individuals who make or attempt an attack, assault, or an
aggressive act against the judge, court personnel, or litigants, and other
parties in a courtroom and adjacent areas.
May train and handle dogs used in gaining information concerning a crime,
tracking criminal suspects, searching for missing or lost individuals,
searching buildings, controlling crowds to prevent death or injury, affecting
the arrest or preventing the escape of suspected criminals, locating and
detecting evidence, explosives, or accelerants.
Apprehends and subdues suspects by chasing them on foot, or in patrol
car or other means and by using physical force and applying handcuffs, if
necessary, in order to take suspect into custody and to prevent injury to the
investigator or others.
Searches the body and clothing of suspects for possible weapons, using
visual and physical means in order to insure the safety of the investigator
and others.
Transports arrested persons to headquarters, or detention facility, using
handcuffs and other security measures necessary in order to book them
according to proper procedures.
Advises parents of juvenile offenders in custody of procedures relative to
the case in order to insure that parents understand their responsibilities.
Refers juvenile cases to the Youth Officer (juvenile department) by
submitting known details in order to have the case handled by appropriately
trained personnel.
Reads "Constitutional Rights" to suspect and obtains signature from suspect
on the written statement of the rights in order to effect a lawful arrest.
Identifies suspect by inspecting his driver's license or similar document(s)
in order to assist in determining if suspect has a prior arrest on record.
Completes reports necessary to substantiate an arrest by printing, or typing
all required information (including a narrative description) on appropriate forms
in order to document an arrest.
Contacts appropriate court authority by telephone in order to determine the
amount of bail or bond required to release the accused.
Transports arrested persons according to appropriate criminal code
(juvenile, adult, female, etc.) in order to situate detained parties at
required locations.
PREPARATION FOR WORK
Attends roll call in proper uniform.
Inspects, maintains and inventories patrol car and assigned equipment.
Maintains issued uniform and weapons.
FIGHTS AND DOMESTIC DISPUTES
Physically intervenes in a dispute or altercation in order to gain control
of the situation and maintain order.
Attempts to calm parties involved in a dispute or altercation. Discusses
possible solutions with parties involved in a dispute by referring parties
to appropriate services and explaining legal recourse, in order to fully
resolve the dispute or prevent its recurrence.
GENERAL PATROL
May train new officers.
Patrols throughout assigned area and records patrol activities.
Accepts and responds to calls for service.
Maintains radio communications with communications center.
Assesses situations by utilizing information in order to make decisions
concerning choice of actions and equipment.
Issues summonses properly.
Facilitates the remediation of miscellaneous hazardous conditions.
Questions suspicious people following legal guidelines
Attempts to disarm threatening persons.
Secures the scene of a crime or emergency.
SERVICE CALLS
Promotes good will by talking with people.
Assists in evacuation of buildings and/or other areas.
May be required to administer the appropriate first aid treatment.
Provides assistance to operators of disabled vehicles.
Blocks suicide attempts.
SUPPORTIVE DUTIES
Processes incoming calls by listening to caller and identifying important
information, determining what action to take (i.e., dispatching a patrol car
to investigate, or referring caller to another agency) and initiating this action
in order to ensure an appropriate response.
Dispatches patrol cars via radio by selecting and contacting available units
and by transmitting the location and nature of problem to the selected cars
in order to respond to incoming calls, or to provide support for primary units.
Maintains log of all incoming calls and radio transmissions by recording
information (i.e., time call is received, unit dispatched, unit arrives, unit
leaves, and location and nature of emergency) on appropriate forms in
order to provide documentation of activities.
Operates computer terminal by entering or reading information on screen
in order to transmit, or to receive data from N.C.I.C, S.C.I.C., or other
central information source.
Guards prisoners and arrested persons by appropriately positioning self
in relation to prisoners, and by using handcuffs when necessary in order
to prevent escape and to protect the prisoners from harm.
Makes a check of jailed prisoners by touring the facility at regular time
intervals, and by making a notation on each cell sheet in order to account
for the presence and safety of all prisoners.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or
manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office
or related units
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
High School Diploma or equivalent.
AGE:
Minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.
CITIZENSHIP
United States citizenship.
NOTE: At the time of appointment, applicants for this position must
submit acceptable proof of meeting the indicated requirements.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Appointees will be required to successfully complete an accredited
training program mandated by the New Jersey Police Training
Commission within 18 months of appointment. Such training includes
successful attainment of a satisfactory level of proficiency in the use
of firearms. Appointees to this position must successfully qualify
semi-annually in the use of firearms.
NOTE: Appointees to this title may be required to work various shifts,
variable hours to include weekends and/or holidays.
NOTE: Appointee to positions in SWAT, SERT or related units must
additionally qualify with special weapons in conformance with the
Attorney General Guidelines.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees may be required to pass
a thorough medical and psychological examination to be administered
by the appointing authority. Any psychological, medical, or physical
condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of the duties
of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself or
others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties
will be cause for rejection. Appointees may be required to undergo a
psychiatric examination prior to appointment. Failure to demonstrate
sufficient capacity to perform the duties of this position may be cause for
rejection.
LICENSE:
Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey.
Appointees may also be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's
License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of
vehicle being operated.
NOTE: The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the
required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type
of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority.
Appointees may be required to possess the following:
A valid Motor Boat Operator's license issued by New Jersey Motor Vehicle
Commission
AND
A valid Boating Safety Certificate issued by the New Jersey State Police
NOTE: An Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License or a
Master's License issued by the United States Coast Guard, currently
valid for the type and size vessel being operated, may be substituted
for the Boating Safety Certificate.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of court practices and procedures, and of the techniques
which would be useful in maintaining order and security in the courtroom
after a period of training.
Knowledge of the methods likely to be effective in dealing with varied
types of persons after a period of training.
Knowledge of human behavior after a period of training.
Knowledge of the laws, regulations, standards, policies, techniques, and
procedures used in serving legal papers and documents and in conducting
criminal investigations and executing warrants after a period of training.
Knowledge of the methods involved in taking and classifying fingerprints
of persons for identification purposes after a period of training.
Knowledge of interviewing and photographing persons for investigations
and identifications after a period of training.
Knowledge of the procedures used in ballistic testing and of the proper
methods and procedures for gathering and preserving evidence after a
period of training.
Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions.
Ability to learn quickly from observation, oral and written explanations,
and from demonstrations.
Ability to take and maintain a firm and correct stand when controversial
matters arise.
Ability to work harmoniously with associates and the public.
Ability to perform varied investigation work.
Ability to serve warrants and processes.
Ability to maintain custody of prisoners.
Ability to make home visits under varying conditions and to talk to varied
types of persons.
Ability to analyze identification problems.
Ability to prepare reports and keep records.
Ability to note significant conditions, and take the proper action in accord
with prescribed procedures.
Ability to physically subdue and restrain violent individuals.
Ability to lift and move heavy objects.
Ability to run up and/or down stairs under stressful conditions, and to run
short sprints and long distances in a minimum amount of time.
Ability to pursue individuals on foot and climb obstacles.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and
information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English
sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language
or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they
can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable
accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it
would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not
be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 07270 | | L | U | | N/A | 01 | | - |
This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
3/6/2014 |
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