Job Summary The Coeur d'Alene Police Department is hiring for a full-time Investigation Specialist/Civilian Report Taker. The Investigation Specialist/Civilian Report Taker is a non-sworn position in the Police Department that bears primary responsibility for processing complaints of burglary, theft, vandalism, financial crimes, forgery, scams and other crimes which are not "in progress". The Report Taker interviews victims, observes the crime scene, collects and marks evidence and prepares reports.
Report Takers report to the Watch Commander but have wide latitude for independent judgment. Due to the nature of the work, accuracy, attention to detail, analytical skills and both verbal and written communication skills are important qualities that must be demonstrated by the incumbent. Investigation Specialist/Report Takers do not supervise, but may be required to train new employees in the same or similar job.
The principal duties of this class are performed in an office and a field environment which exposes the employee to inclement weather conditions and stressful and emotional situations. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED; and one (1) year of advanced coursework in English composition, journalism, criminal justice or law enforcement. Examples of Duties (illustrative only and may vary by assignment) Responds to dispatched calls for service including theft reports, burglary reports, malicious injury to property, fraud, and forgery reports, and other similar crimes that have already been committed; Controls, protects and documents crime scenes; Collects, analyzes and processes evidence using such techniques as powders, chemicals, casting materials, various light sources photography and other methods employed within the department; Interviews victims and others to elicit detailed crime information; Assesses and analyzes information to include in reports; Writes crime reports, ensuring accurate and detailed information; Transports evidence to Police Property and Evidence Room; Testifies and presents evidence in court; Provides general and specific law enforcement and crime information to the public; Conducts examinations of persons, vehicles, premises or areas to determine if a crime has been committed; Checks and modifies computerized records, reports, logs and statistics; Retrieves reports, makes copies and distributes to appropriate personnel; Makes recommendations and creates procedures and systems to improve operations as needed; Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems; Responds to management's, supervisor's, co-workers' and citizens' questions and comments in a courteous, thorough and timely manner; Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities; Maintains strict confidentiality of all matters; Assists other department and City employees as needed or requested.
Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices. Secondary Duties and Responsibilities: Functions in support role during emergency incidents such as windstorm, crisis line, etc., Reviews and processes reports submitted through the Online Reporting System; Performs VIN inspections for citizens; Provides crime scene assistance to detectives; Provides back-up assistance to other staff as needed; Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements High school diploma or GED; One (1) year of advanced coursework in English composition, journalism, criminal justice or law enforcement; Valid Idaho Driver's License or equivalent; Preferred experience in law enforcement investigations; or An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered
Supplemental Information The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position. Knowledge of: Organization and function of municipal law enforcement and criminal law; Investigative techniques and evidence collection and security; Techniques of identification and analysis regarding evidence such as tool marks, fingerprints, shoe prints, etc. English composition and grammar; Operation of modern office equipment and job-related software.
Skill and Ability to: Gather, assemble, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence; Apply interview techniques to obtain complete information about a crime from victims, witnesses, etc.; Read, comprehend, interpret and correctly apply criminal laws and ordinances; Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written reports; Maintain objectivity and confidentiality in analyzing available information; Collect and process evidence properly; Professionally deal with diverse individuals or groups in varied situations; Develop and maintain accurate and complete records; Proficiently operate computers, software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar office software to create documents and other materials, maintain information, and generate reports; Use English and speak clearly for understanding; Listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through verbal, written, and electronic communication channels; Perform duties to supervisor's expectations; Follow verbal and written instructions; Work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision; Maintain a professional demeanor at all times; Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines; Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity in the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems; Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public. Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to keyboard or type, handle materials, or manipulate tools used in performing the essential functions of the classification, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, color vision peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person, by telephone. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, or in a field environment that exposes the employee to inclement weather and angry people.