This is entry level law enforcement work conducting legal investigations for the purpose of securing witnesses and gathering and verifying evidence so that indictable criminal offenses may be prosecuted. Contact with the public and law enforcement officials is a significant aspect of the work.

Work is performed under the supervision of an attorney and a higher level investigator. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with standardized investigatory practices and general work instructions. Employees participate with other detectives in the investigation of crimes.

• Participates in the investigation of crimes such as homicide, robbery, burglary, rape and larceny or fraud to aid in the prosecution of criminal offenses; searches scenes of crimes for physical evidence; locates and interrogates witnesses; takes formal statements from witnesses, victims and suspects.
• Participates in the investigation of complaints involving violation of criminal law or ordinances concerning domestic relations; interviews complainants, juveniles and parents; reviews morals affidavits;prepares and serves morals warrants.
• Assists in the preparation of cases for prosecution; prepares case reports and informs prosecutors of the body of evidence available, and of persons who may qualify as witnesses; reviews arrest records of suspects; serves bench warrants and makes arrests when necessary.
• Takes statements from the public who wish to take-out a private criminal complaint; determines whether a crime has been committed; advises individuals of their legal rights; prepares papers for issuance of body warrants.
• Serves legal papers such as subpoenas, bench warrants, morals warrants, bringups and rearrest warrants to witnesses, victims and defendants; locates victims, witnesses and suspects; explains the papers to the individuals and the legal ramifications if they fail to appear in court; picks up and delivers witnesses to court on the day of the trial.
• Locates victims, witnesses and defendants for whom warrants or subpoenas have been issued; reviews file information to ascertain individual's last known residence; visits home of record; questions family, relatives, friends and employers concerning the individuals whereabouts; contacts utility companies and government agencies to gather information on the individual; testifies in court on the unavailability of the individuals and the measures taken to locate them.
• Arranges for technical assistance such as that provided by specialist in the identification, ballistics and laboratory analysis or toxicology.
• Participates in extradition proceedings; assists other law enforcement agencies in locating witnesses in Philadelphia.
• Prepares progress and investigation reports, warrants, complaints, and other papers and reports for cases listed for trial.
• May attend training courses sponsored by law enforcement agencies including the FBI and polygraph schools in order to learn modern investigatory techniques and the rules of evidence.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the methods and techniques of crime investigation, of interrogation, and of the identification and preservation of physical evidence.
• the laws, rules and regulations relating to the prosecution of criminal cases.

• the use and care of firearms.

• learn within a reasonable period of time the laws and rules of evidence, and the general principles of laws and rulings governing the prosecution of criminal offenses.
• obtain information by interviews, interrogations and observations, and to record details accurately.
• cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect to the rights of others.
• understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• write and speak effectively.
• learn the clerical procedures connected with the prosecution of cases.
• establish and maintain public confidence while gathering information, and to work effectively with the law enforcement officials.

• Successful completion of the Police Academy or a formal governmental training program encompassing firearms, criminal law, rules of evidence and investigation techniques.
• Education equivalent to completion of a standard high school is desirable.

• 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 Prosecution Detective I.

PAY RANGE: 203
Class Established: 3/1963
Latest Spec. Revision: 9/1977

CO/sb/ps