This is 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 higher level investigator. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with standard investigatory practices and general work instructions. Employees are responsible for the completion of the investigation of all crimes and have contact with members of other law enforcement agencies investigating facts pertinent to the case.

• Investigates crimes such as homicide, robbery, burglary, rape, 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.
• Investigates complaints involving violation of criminal law or ordinances concerning domestic relations; interviews complainants, juveniles and parents; reviews morals affidavits; prepares and serves morals warrants.
• Prepares 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.
• Conducts special investigation of city employees suspected of malfeasance or non-feasance in office, or suspected illegal activities; conducts surveillance of suspects or acts as undercover agent in the investigation; interviews employees who work for suspect and citizens who have had business contacts with the suspect; attempts to conduct business with the suspect; determines whether or not the suspect is participating in illegal activities; prepares reports and submits findings of investigation to attorneys; may testify in court as to findings.
• Serves legal papers such as subpoenas, bench warrants, morals warrants, bring-ups and re-arrest warrants to witnesses, victims and defendants; locates 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 known residence; visits home of record; questions family, friends and employers concerning person's whereabouts; contacts utility companies and government agencies to gather information on the individual; testifies on court in the unavailability of the individual and the measures taken to locate him.
• Arranges for technical assistance such as that provided by specialists in identification, ballistics, 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 laws and rules of evidence, and the general principles of laws and rulings governing prosecution of criminal offenses.
• legal forms and clerical procedures connected with the prosecution of crimes.
• trial procedures.

• the use and care of firearms.

• learn departmental rules and regulations.
• obtain information through interviews, interrogation, observation and to record details accurately.
• cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of others.
• understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• write and speak effectively.
• establish and maintain public confidence while gathering information and to work effectively with 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.
• One year of full time law enforcement work.
• Education equivalent to completion of a standard high school is desirable.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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 II.

PAY RANGE: 204
Class Established: 1/1953
Latest Spec. Revision: 9/1977

CO/sb/ps