Detective IV (District Attorney's Department)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Investigates, prosecutes, and assists outside law enforcement agencies for violations of federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to narcotics, firearms, child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence, fraud, white-collar crime, drug-related/major crime, tobacco control enforcement, DUI enforcement, fugitive apprehension, intelligence gathering functions, etc.  All detectives perform the same work, and Levels I through IV are only used to differentiate time on the job.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

1. Conducts investigations into violations of local, state, and federal laws.
2. Gathers and analyzes information and prepares written reports in criminal investigations.
3. Conducts surveillance on suspects and locations used for criminal activity from vehicles, public areas, and private property.
4. Seizes and maintains physical evidence and property for forfeiture. 
5. Maintains legally mandated certifications and skill training annually.
6. Prepares and executes arrest and search warrants.
7. Handles and transports prisoners.
8. Provides testimony and presents physical evidence in court proceedings.
9. Develops, qualifies, and monitors confidential informants.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School graduate or possession of a G.E.D.
• Graduation from an Act 120 Certified Municipal Police Academy
• Annual First Aid and CPR certification
• Semi-Annual firearms qualification
• Annual Police Officer certification from the Pennsylvania Municipal 
• Police Officers Education and Training Commission.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Level I - Entry level as a County Detective and less than five (5) years of prior law enforcement experience.
• Level II - Completion of one (1) year of full-time service as a County 
• Detective or five (5) years of prior law enforcement experience.
• Level III – Completion of two (2) years of full-time services as a County Detective or ten (10) years of prior law enforcement experience.
• Level IV – Completion of three (3) or more years of full-time service as a County Detective or fifteen (15) years of prior law enforcement experience. 

    MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of police investigative methods.
• Knowledge of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
• Federal Statutes, local ordinances, and Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to make instantaneous sound decisions and judgments, and react to life-threatening situations within the scope of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct complex criminal investigations and implement new and various investigative skills and techniques as situations demand.
• Basic computer and PC skills, including Word, Access, and Excel. 
• Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to present accurate and convincing testimony in Court.
• Ability to thrive in a stressful, fast-paced team environment.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

   PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to conduct surveillance for several hours at a time, sitting inside the cramped confines of a vehicle.
• Ability to engage in physical exertion at any given moment, in response to an emergency during the execution of a search warrant or during the apprehension or subduing of a resisting suspect.
• Stamina to avoid health-related issues, the ability to deal with stress-related issues on a daily basis, and the ability to maintain control during the integration of work-related stress and the daily stress encountered outside the workplace.

   WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• The office has a high volume of work daily.
• The position requires some evening and weekend work, as well as a rotating 24-hour on-call requirement.
• The position regularly requires working beyond the 8-hour day, with little or no prior notice.
• Work outside the normal office environment at locations classified as being in an unhealthy environment (garbage, human waste, rat, and roach infested buildings, and crack houses, etc.).
• Dealing with individuals (prostitutes, drug addicts, informants, etc.) in a high-risk communicable disease category (AIDS, hepatitis, etc.).
• The position requires carrying a firearm and other defensive weapons, and at times wearing a ballistic vest, helmet, and rubber gloves.
• There is the ever-present danger of personal injury or death from contact with violent criminals.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position, and may be changed where appropriate.