The Liberty County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the position of Detective. The work of this position involves investigating reported and suspected criminal activity, including VGCSA, processing and preserving evidence from crime scenes, determining the chain of events leading to the commission of crimes, and providing support and testimony to assist attorneys in prosecuting those responsible for committing crimes.

MAJOR DUTIES 

1. Carries out investigations of assigned cases to determine the nature of criminal activity to identify and apprehend offenders, prevent crimes, and/or solve criminal cases; conducts follow-ups on assigned cases.

2. Responds to crime scenes, receives an initial report from a uniformed patrol Deputy, and examines the scene of the crime to obtain clues and gather evidence.

3. Interview complainants, witnesses, victims, suspects, and informants in person and by telephone; obtain/receive taped, written, and/or signed statements.

4. Meets with confidential informants and documents those interactions. 

5. Investigate known or suspected criminals or facts of particular cases to detect suspected criminal activity or clues.

6. Identifies, collects, marks, and preserves physical evidence; photographs crime scenes, lifts fingerprints, makes composites, compares evidence, and prepares photographic line-ups.

7. Obtains and serves search and criminal warrants; apprehends and arrests suspects.

8. Reviews investigative information; writes and files reports and supplementals on completed cases detailing witnesses and testimony, the occurrence of events, and criminal history of the suspect; describes the action taken and results obtained.

9. Plans court presentations with prosecuting attorneys; presents collected evidence and information to the grand jury and court; testifies in judicial proceedings; draws crime scene diagrams for use in investigations and court.

10. Assists other law enforcement agencies with investigations upon request; provides information on criminal activity to federal, state, and local law enforcement agents.

11. May perform special duty assignments.

12. Traces and recovers stolen property.

13. Provide information and direction to patrol Deputies upon request.

14. Develop informant sources to obtain information on criminal activity.

15. Responds to calls for service or requests for information from the public.

16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1. Knowledge of federal and state laws, penal codes, constitutional guidelines, local ordinances, and agency rules and regulations.

2. Knowledge of criminal investigation methods.

3. Knowledge of the judicial process and court procedures.

4. Skill in crime scene processing methods used to collect and preserve evidence for court admissibility.

5. Skill in the use of photography and surveillance equipment, audio and video equipment, radios, and various emergency equipment.

6. Skill in the use of firearms and self-defense techniques.

7. Skill in oral and written communication and interview techniques.

8. Skill in processing, recording, and filing evidence.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigation Division and Narcotics Division assigns work based on general instructions. Completed work is reviewed for the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the Criminal Code of Georgia, federal statutory law, procedural laws, agency directives, standard operating procedures, and city ordinances. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

· The position consists of related duties in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. Complexity is added by the variety of tasks to be performed, time constraints, changing case law, and having to deal with the public.

· The purpose of this position is to investigate crimes, build a chain of events through such investigations that will lead to the prosecution of perpetrators of crimes, prevent criminal activity, and protect life and property. Successful performance affects the protection of the general public and furthers judicial processes.

CONTACTS

· Contacts are typically with the general public, commercial business representatives, judges, attorneys, health care representatives, co-workers, suspects, victims, persons convicted of criminal acts, and law enforcement representatives from federal, state, and local agencies. 

· Contacts are typically used to give/exchange information, develop investigative contacts, solve cases, provide services, settle matters, testify in court, resolve conflicts, and interview victims, suspects, and witnesses.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

· Work is typically performed while sitting at a desk with intermittent standing and walking. Field investigation situations may require physical activity, including the pursuit and physical restraint of perpetrators, as well as setting up surveillance, which can involve being immobile for extended periods. 

· Work is performed in an office and at various field locations. Investigative fieldwork is conducted outdoors and may expose employees to cold and inclement weather conditions. Work requires the use of protective devices and may expose the employee to life-threatening situations. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Sworn Certified Peace Officer.
• A bachelor’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field is preferred; an associate’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the primary duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/ internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver’s license.
• Ability to meet current requirements outlined in the Georgia Mandate Law Enforcement Training Act/Peace Officer's Standards and Training Act.