Investigator, Law​/Legal, Police Officer

Assignment:
General Investigator or Narcotics Investigator JOB SUMMARY

The Augusta County Sheriff's Office is seeking a qualified law enforcement professional for assignment as an Investigator. Investigators perform criminal investigations, gather and analyze evidence, conduct interviews and surveillance, apprehend offenders, prepare comprehensive reports, and assist in the prosecution of criminal cases.

This position involves work under emergency conditions and may present considerable personal risk. Investigators are expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and perform all duties in accordance with applicable laws and Augusta County Sheriff's Office policies and procedures.

Narcotics Investigators may, at the discretion of the Sheriff, be assigned to a regional or multi-jurisdictional task force.

• Investigate suspicious activity and criminal offenses from initial assignment through logical conclusion.
• Enforce criminal and traffic laws, make arrests, and serve warrants when warranted.
• Interview and, when legally appropriate, interrogate suspects, witnesses, complainants, victims, and other involved parties.
• Gather, preserve, document, and analyze evidence.
• Conduct surveillance operations and gather intelligence on suspects and criminal activity.
• Develop and maintain relationships with reliable and confidential sources of information and meet with informants for intelligence-gathering purposes.
• Conduct background investigations.
• Photograph, fingerprint, and perform other assigned crime-scene and investigative duties.
• Maintain detailed evidence logs, ensure proper chain of custody, handle and safeguard evidence in accordance with department policy.
• Complete requests for laboratory analysis of evidence.
• Prepare detailed, accurate, and comprehensive investigative reports, records, and case files.
• Prepare testimony and testify in court as required.
• Coordinate with the Commonwealth's Attorney and assistants in preparing criminal cases for prosecution in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies and coordinate joint investigations when appropriate.
• Respond to complaints and assist fellow deputies and investigators as needed.
• Provide backup support to other deputies when required.
• Maintain accurate records and investigative documentation.
• Follow the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and maintain professional conduct at all times.
• Support the chain of command and contribute to the morale, welfare, and professionalism of the department.
• Perform other related duties, assignments, and responsibilities as required.

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Thorough knowledge of police methods, practices, procedures, and investigative techniques.
• Knowledge of identification and evidence-gathering techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of department policies and procedures.
• General knowledge of applicable federal and Virginia laws and county ordinances.
• Thorough knowledge of Augusta County geography and the location of important buildings and facilities.
• Ability to analyze evidence and investigative information.
• Strong interviewing and questioning skills.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, accurate, and comprehensive reports.
• Proficiency with firearms and motor vehicles.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other law enforcement officials, partner agencies, and the public.
• Excellent judgment, communication, integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Considerable experience as a law enforcement officer.
• Any combination of education and experience…