Investigator - PDD Boston & Roxbury
About the position The Public Defender Division of Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking an Investigator for the Roxbury Defenders Unit (RDU). Investigators conduct criminal defense investigations and aid in trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys in Municipal, District, and Superior Court cases in Suffolk County. Investigators are key members of the defense team who assist in developing defense strategies for indigent persons charged with criminal offenses by interviewing witnesses, documenting crime scenes, and later testifying in court. This position will be seated in the RDU but will also support the Boston Office and work throughout Suffolk County. CPCS fights for equal justice and human dignity by supporting its clients in achieving their legal and life goals. CPCS zealously advocates for the rights of individuals and promotes just public policy to protect the rights of all.
Responsibilities
- Locating and interviewing cooperative and, at times, uncooperative witnesses, alleged victims, and clients;
- Investigating crime scenes, commonly located in neighborhoods that have been designated as ‘high crime areas’ by local law enforcement agencies;
- Preparing and presenting oral and/or written reports based upon interviews and/or information obtained during the course of the investigation;
- Conducting surveillance;
- Measuring, diagramming, and photographing locations where crimes may have taken place and/or any location appropriate to the defense strategy;
- Utilizing computers for on-line access to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, public records, databases, social networking sites, and various online searches;
- Keeping accurate records of all phases of the investigation, and being accountable for all aspects of the investigation;
- Testifying in court as needed;
- Networking and maintaining personal contact with individuals in various agencies, including, but not limited to, police departments, courts, state agencies, private sector agencies, and others to facilitate access to information necessary to the defense of a case;
- Reviewing and analyzing police reports and witness statements;
- Maintaining open lines of communication with attorneys as to investigative updates and case strategy and meeting all deadlines associated with cases;
- Maintaining professional and productive relationships with attorneys;
- Evaluating individuals and factual situations to aid the attorney in preparing and presenting a defense to the criminal charges;
- Advising attorneys regarding changes and developments in investigative tools and techniques;
- Developing familiarity with Massachusetts criminal laws and rules of criminal procedure;
- Serving summonses on witnesses and document record keepers;
- Arranging timely appearance of witnesses at court by keeping them “on call” and when necessary providing transportation for clients and/or witnesses to court or other facilities;
- Preparing exhibits for trials and hearings;
- Ability to work independently and outside of normal business hours as needed;
- Participating in training programs for attorneys, as well as investigators;
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, forensics, law or related area of study; a minimum of three years of experience in criminal defense investigations or a related investigative field which primarily involves the interviewing of persons, obtaining facts, inspection of records and writing reports; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills;
- Must possess a valid and active Massachusetts driver’s license and have full access to a dependable automobile;
- Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely.
- Experience with Microsoft Office, internet databases, online searches and databases, and camera and video equipment;
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
- Good analytical and time-management skills;
- Adjusting scheduled hours to work outside of regular business hours, e.g., on nights and weekends, is required with some regularity.
- Ability to be flexible due to unexpected and times sensitive issues requiring immediate attention is essential.
- The successful candidate will be subject to a background check including CORI and driving history reviews.
Nice-to-haves
- Bilingual abilities preferred