Investigator - PDD Framingham

Position Overview Public Defender Investigators are key members of the defense team and are responsible for conducting criminal defense investigations and trial preparation for CPCS Trial Attorneys as well as assisting in developing defense strategy for indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in the District and Superior Courts in Middlesex County. Key responsibilities include locating and interviewing persons, obtaining facts, inspecting records, writing reports, documenting crime scenes, searching databases and social media, summoning witnesses to court, shepherding witnesses through the trial court process, and testifying in court. Investigators work under the direction of the Attorney-in-Charge, the Director of Investigations, and the Supervising Investigator and collaborate with other staff investigators, Attorneys-in-Charge, and CPCS Administration. Minimum Entrance Requirements Associate degree with coursework in criminal justice, forensics, law or related area of study; a minimum of three years of experience in criminal defense investigations or a related investigative field which primarily involves the interviewing of persons, obtaining facts, inspection of records and writing reports; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills. Must possess a valid and active Massachusetts driver’s license and have full access to a dependable automobile. Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of investigatory experience. Qualifications / Skills Experience with Microsoft Office, internet databases, online searches and database, and camera and video equipment. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Good analytical and time-management skills. Bilingual abilities preferred. Adjusting scheduled hours to work outside of regular business hours, e.g., on nights and weekends, is required with some regularity. Ability to be flexible due to unexpected and time-sensitive issues requiring immediate attention is essential. The successful candidates will be subject to a background check including CORI and driving history reviews. Responsibilities Locating and interviewing cooperative and, at times, uncooperative witnesses, alleged victims, and clients. Investigating crime scenes, commonly located in neighborhoods that have been designated as ‘high crime areas’ by local law enforcement agencies. Preparing and presenting oral and/or written reports based upon interviews and/or information obtained during the course of the investigation. Conducting surveillance. Measuring, diagramming, and photographing locations where crimes may have taken place and/or any location appropriate to the defense strategy. Utilizing computers for online access to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, public records, databases, social networking sites, and various online searches. Keeping accurate records of all phases of the investigation, and being accountable for all aspects of the investigation. Testifying in court as needed. Networking and maintaining personal contact with individuals in various agencies, including, but not limited to, police departments, courts, state agencies, private sector agencies, and others to facilitate access to information necessary to the defense of a case. Reviewing and analyzing police reports and witness statements. Maintaining open lines of communication with attorneys as to investigative updates and case strategy and meeting all deadlines associated with cases. Maintaining professional and productive relationships with attorneys. Evaluating individuals and factual situations to aid the attorney in preparing and presenting a defense to the criminal charges. Advising attorneys regarding changes and developments in investigative tools and techniques. Developing familiarity with Massachusetts criminal laws and rules of criminal procedure. Serving summonses on witnesses and document record keepers. Arranging timely appearance of witnesses at court by keeping them “on call” and when necessary providing transportation for clients and/or witnesses to court or other facilities. Preparing exhibits for trials and hearings. Ability to work independently and outside of normal business hours as needed. Participating in training programs for attorneys, as well as investigators. Other duties as assigned. EEO Statement The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies. Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow-Huang, at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Publiccounsel