Detective

SUMMARY

The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO), New Orleans, Louisiana, provides for the care, custody, control, and rehabilitation of individuals in custody. We are committed to providing the highest level of service and security to the court systems, the execution of court mandates, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms.

The Detective position within Investigative Services performs comprehensive criminal and administrative investigations involving incidents occurring on OPSO premises and allegations involving OPSO personnel, contractors, volunteers, or individuals in custody. Investigations may include inmate-on-inmate and inmate-on-staff assaults, fights, gang-related activity, drug possession or trafficking, misconduct, and other allegations of criminal conduct.

ISB Detectives are responsible for gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses and involved parties, reviewing surveillance footage and other available records, identifying involved individuals, documenting investigative findings, and preparing cases for referral or prosecution when appropriate. The position requires sound judgment, critical thinking , integrity, confidentiality, and a commitment to public safety and the safe and secure operation of OPSO facilities.

The Detective works closely with correctional staff, other OPSO divisions, the District Attorney's Office, and other law enforcement agencies to investigate incidents, identify risks and vulnerabilities, support prosecution, and promote a safe and secure environment for staff and individuals in custody.


SALARY

The salary for a selected applicant will be aligned accordingly and commensurate with the applicant's knowledge, skills, experience, certifications, and education requirements of the subject position. This position is non-exempt.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities
• Conduct investigations of inmate-on-inmate incidents, inmate-on-staff incidents, and other allegations of criminal conduct involving OPSO personnel or individuals in custody or occurring on OPSO premises, including assaults, fights, gang-related incidents, drug possession or trafficking, and other offenses.
• Abide by the Federal and State constitutions and applicable laws, and OPSO policies and procedures
• Gather, preserve, and analyze physical, documentary, digital, and other evidence; review surveillance footage, reports, records, data, and related documentation as necessary to establish the facts and circumstances of an incident.
• Conduct interviews with witnesses, victims, involved parties, employees, individuals in custody, and other persons possessing relevant information.
• Maintain organized investigative files and prepare detailed reports documenting investigative activities, evidence, interviews, findings, and conclusions.
• Employ sound investigative techniques, deductive reasoning, and analysis to identify critical issues, potential risks, and vulnerabilities and reach logical investigative conclusions.
• Work closely with Deputies, correctional staff, other OPSO divisions, and relevant stakeholders to gather information, address identified concerns, and develop strategies to prevent and deter future incidents.
• Coordinate with the District Attorney's Office and other law enforcement agencies regarding criminal investigations and prosecution, including providing evidence, reports, testimony, and other necessary investigative support.
• Coordinate search and arrest warrants and arrest suspects, as needed.
• Testify in court regarding case evidence, investigative findings, and other matters arising from investigations.
• Maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and security of investigative information and evidence.
• Identify significant findings and promptly report them to the appropriate authority.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements, Skills and Ability To
• High School Diploma/GED.
• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of law enforcement experience. Basic P.O.S.T. Certification required.
• Proficient in investigative report writing and documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, and preserve evidence and investigative information.
• Ability to conduct professional interviews and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability and willingness to take on challenging responsibilities and respond appropriately to critical incidents.
• Good moral character and demonstrated integrity.
• High level of confidentiality and discretion.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in high-stress environments and de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
• Ability to work flexible hours, weekends, and 24-hour operational schedules as required.

ISB Description

The Investigative Services Bureau comprises skilled and experienced detectives who specialize in handling cases of resident-on-resident crimes and resident-on-staff crimes. These crimes may include assaults, fights, gang-related incidents, drug trafficking, or any other offenses that occur within the confines of the correctional facilities.

With the ultimate goal of maintaining a secure and safe environment for all residents, the Investigative Services Bureau works closely with Deputies, other divisions within the sheriff's office, and relevant stakeholders to prevent and address resident-on-resident crimes. They collaborate with the corrections staff to gather information, identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to mitigate future incidents. Through their dedicated efforts, they aim to promote a safe and secure environment for all residents, deter future incidents, and contribute to the overall well-being and rehabilitation of individuals in custody.

The bureau conducts thorough and diligent investigations into these incidents, aiming to identify the individuals involved, gather evidence, and uncover the circumstances surrounding the crimes. Detectives employ various techniques, such as reviewing surveillance footage, conducting interviews with witnesses and involved parties, and analyzing available data and documentation to piece together the events leading to the incidents.

Throughout the investigative process, the bureau operates within the bounds of the law, adhering to applicable regulations, policies, and ethical standards. They ensure that the rights of all individuals involved in the investigations are protected and that the investigations are conducted with integrity, professionalism, and fairness. The bureau also liaises with the district attorney's office and other law enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts in the prosecution of resident-on-resident crimes. They provide necessary evidence and support to ensure the successful prosecution of offenders, holding them accountable for their actions.