This is responsible law enforcement work investigating crimes and performing other related assignments in plain clothes. Work differs from that of a police officer in that incumbents are responsible for making and completing investigation of crimes of a more serious nature.

Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level police officer. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out according to departmental precedents, policies, rules and regulations. Employees exercise a controlling impact on the investigation of crime within as assigned area. Work involves regular exposure to uncontrolled and/or unpredictable conditions and frequent exercise of moderate physical effort.

• Investigates major crimes such as homicide, robbery, burglary, rape, larceny, or fraud in an assigned specialty throughout the city; searches crime scenes for physical evidence; locates and interrogates witnesses; takes statements from witnesses, victims, and suspects.
• Assists in the preparation of cases for court; prepares case summaries and informs prosecuting authority of the body of evidence available and of persons who may qualify as witnesses; testifies concerning the results of investigations.
• Completes investigations of minor offenses or routine administrative matters such as vandalism, malicious mischief, common assault, domestic quarrels, applications for permits to carry firearms, and service of legal process.
• Investigates all kinds of offenses more serious than disturbing the peace in an assigned geographical area of the city on an assigned shift; makes arrests; serves legal process; maintains sources of information.
• Patrols a designated area of the city in an unmarked car, looking for suspicious persons and circumstances; assists uniformed officers in cases of disturbances or riots, investigates misdemeanors to establish validity of cases and proper placing of charges.
• Arranges for technical assistance, such as that provided by specialists in identification, ballistics, laboratory analysis, or toxicology.
• Testifies at preliminary magistrate's hearings, grand jury sessions, and coroners courts, concerning the occurrence of crimes and the establishment of case sufficient to hold or charge suspects.
• Participates in extradition proceedings; assists officers of other law enforcement agencies in investigations in Philadelphia.
• Prepares progress, interrogation, and other reports concerning investigation in progress.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles of crime investigation, the techniques of interrogation, and of the identification and preservation of physical evidence.
• controlling laws and ordinances, particularly laws of arrest and evidence.
• the geography of the city.
• the rules and regulations of the Police Department.
• the techniques of criminal identification.
• first aid principles.

• the use and care of firearms.

• obtain facts by interrogation and interview, to analyze and appraise such facts, and to arrive at logical conclusions based upon the results of investigations.
• face situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
• react calmly and quickly in emergency.
• speak and write effectively.
• have good intelligence and emotional stability.

• One year of experience as a Police Officer.

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Detective.

PAY RANGE: 204
Class Established: 1/1953
Latest Spec. Revision: 4/1976

CO/sb/ps