Detective

***INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY***

Job Summary

The Detective for Crimes Against Persons and Crimes Against Property is responsible for investigating and solving criminal cases related to offenses against individuals and property. Under general supervision, investigates and resolves assigned cases and makes criminal arrests; coordinates investigatory work activities with prosecuting attorneys and other Federal, state and local agencies.

The Detective assigned to the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) within the Law Enforcement Department plays a critical role in conducting specialized investigations into complex criminal activities. This role involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, and utilizing advanced investigative techniques to solve cases. The Detective in the SIU is tasked with handling high-profile cases, such as organized crime, narcotics trafficking, financial crimes, and other serious offenses.

Principal Accountabilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Crimes Against Persons/Property

• Investigates and resolves assigned cases and makes criminal arrests; coordinates investigatory work activities with prosecuting attorneys and other Federal, state and local agencies.


• Investigate felony, misdemeanor, and ordinance violations, focusing on crimes against individuals and property.


• Analyze evidence, statements, and clues to develop comprehensive case strategies.


• Conduct interviews with victims, informants, suspects, and witnesses to obtain critical information.


• Conduct controlled setting interrogations, ensuring adherence to legal protocols.


• Investigate and process crime scenes, searching for, collecting, and preserving evidence.


• Utilize appropriate techniques for photographing crime scenes, fingerprints, and recovered property.


• Follow up on leads, apprehend violators, and make arrests as dictated by the situation.


• Advise suspects of their rights and ensure proper documentation of arrests.


• Obtain search warrants as required for property, persons, or information relevant to investigations.


• Develop cases with credible evidence, establishing a chain of evidence and legal foundations for prosecution.


• Intake, identify, and code impounded or evidence property, releasing it when authorized.


• Determine the entry of missing property into the computer for cross-jurisdictional notification.


• Maintain surveillance on known agitators, suspected narcotic peddlers, and criminal suspects.


• Coordinate efforts with other deputies, ensuring effective collaboration in ongoing investigations.


• Act as a liaison with county/city police departments, State Patrol, federal law enforcement agencies, and community service agencies.


• Maintain open communication and coordination with external agencies.


• Compile comprehensive investigative reports with attached documentation for review and dissemination.


• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of all case-related documentation.


• Testify under oath in various court proceedings regarding involvement in investigations.


• Conduct internal investigations and pre-employment background verifications for prospective employees.


• Perform other duties as needed to meet agency and county requirements.

Special Investigative Unit

• Conduct in-depth investigations into various criminal activities, including but not limited to organized crime, narcotics trafficking, financial crimes, and corruption.


• Utilize advanced investigative techniques, surveillance methods, and undercover operations to gather evidence and build cases against suspects.


• Collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, task forces, and specialized units to share intelligence and resources for comprehensive investigations.


• Interview witnesses, suspects, and informants to obtain valuable information/statements for ongoing investigations.


• Investigate and apprehends persons suspected of illegal sale or use of narcotics.


• Utilizes informant best suited to contact suspect and purchase narcotics.


• Observes and photographs narcotic purchase transaction to compile evidence and protect undercover investigator.


• Investigate narcotics-related crimes including Drug Trafficking and Drug Possession using a variety of resources and techniques to include.


• Submits written reports containing charges, available facts, and evidence to a magistrate for issuance of arrest warrants and search warrants.


• Arrest narcotics offenders. Investigate call in complaints accordingly and close upon completion.


• Obtains statements and prepare written reports for the District Attorney for prosecution of individuals and appears in court as a witness as necessary.


• Able to conduct long and short-term investigations, and available if called out for special cases and assignments.


• Plan and prepare the execution of search/arrest warrants, operational planning, and case debriefing.


• Ability to work in an undercover capacity if needed.


• Assist prosecutors in preparing cases for trial, including providing expert testimony and presenting evidence in court.


• Stay abreast of new developments, trends, and best practices in investigative techniques/law enforcement procedures.


• Maintain confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information related to ongoing investigations.


• Serve as a liaison between the law enforcement agency and the community, providing outreach and education on crime prevention and public safety initiatives.


• Perform other duties as needed to meet agency and county requirements.

*MUST MAINTAIN STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALL INFORMATION PROCESSED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDING RECORDS, REPORTS, DOCUMENTS, CONVERSATIONS, ETC.*

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Possess comprehensive knowledge of modern law enforcement, including crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, and criminal identification.


• Maintain a thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures, including those related to criminal and juvenile processes, rules of evidence, and sentencing guidelines.


• Demonstrate knowledge of criminal behavior and the underlying causes of criminality.


• Proficient in advanced investigation techniques, crime scene processing, evidence collection, and surveillance.


• Maintain strict confidentiality in all aspects of work.


• Analyze complex police problems and exercise sound, independent judgment to make swift decisions, determine reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and the appropriate use of force.


• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, across various platforms (radio, telephone, etc.), and prepare detailed, accurate reports, citations, affidavits, and warrants.


• Interview and interrogate witnesses and suspects in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.


• React promptly and effectively in emergency situations (medical, fire, etc.).


• Implement decisions with tact and diplomacy, even in stressful or hostile encounters.


• Work professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds.


• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, fire departments, public safety agencies, county officials, and the public.


• Serve as a liaison for cooperative operations and inter-agency efforts.


• Advanced proficiency in investigative practices and techniques, including but not limited to interviewing and interrogation methods, evidence identification, collection, and processing.


• Comprehensive understanding of the laws and practices governing custody, searches, and seizures of persons and property.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• There are no supervisory responsibilities in this position.

Travel

• Travel requirements will vary with the assignment.

Experience & Education

Required:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent


• Must possess a valid Missouri P.O.S.T. Certificate


• Must possess a valid Missouri driver’s license


• Must have knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications

Crimes Against Persons/Property

• Must have a minimum of three (3) years of uninterrupted service as a full-time, sworn, law enforcement officer

Special Investigative Unit

• Must have a minimum of two (2) years of uninterrupted service as a full-time, sworn law enforcement officer.


• One (1) year of experience working as a detective, preferred


• College degree in criminal justice, criminal investigations, crime management, and/or a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training, preferred.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands of this position include occasional lifting of up to 75 lbs. from the floor to waist level, occasional lifting of up to 35 lbs. from waist to shoulder, occasional carrying of up to 75 lbs. for 10 ft, and occasional carrying of up to 75 lbs. for 50 ft. The role also involves occasional horizontal push/pull forces of up to 85 lbs., frequent horizontal push/pull forces of up to 20 lbs., and occasional grip forces of up to 60 lbs.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl or run. Must have the ability to lift and drag a minimum of 100 pounds. Deputy is required to wear a duty rig which weighs on average between 20-25 pounds and is preferred to wear a bullet proof vest weighing on average 5 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.