Pretrial Officer (Intake & Investigation) - Hendry County

SUMMARY
The pretrial officer performs professional investigative work that provides quality and timely information to the criminal courts to assist the judiciary in the decision of whether to release or detain a defendant. The pretrial officer also provides effective supervision and monitoring of pretrial defendants placed on supervision by the Court. 
 
The pretrial officer conducts a full intake/investigation on defendants as a part of the booking process into the jail.  Pretrial officers verify defendants’ intake information and produce a quality First Appearance report that is used by the judges as they make their pretrial release decisions.  The pretrial officer effectively monitors defendants placed on supervision or diversion.  Pretrial officers use risk scores, motivational interviewing techniques to identify defendant’s risk factors and needs. The pretrial officer also enforces orders of the court or conditions of the diversion agreement. The pretrial officer in this position performs intakes, investigations, and case supervision and must develop strong working relations with the Judiciary, the offices of the State Attorney and Public Defender, Clerk of Court, probation officers, and treatment providers to successfully perform their duties. The pretrial officer reports directly to the Administrative Services Manager.  
 
The pretrial officer in this position shall exercise independent judgment and initiative within the scope of authority.  All Pretrial Officers are cross-trained and act as backup for other pretrial officer positions.  Duties, assignments and/or work shifts may be changed with notice based on department needs. 
 
A pretrial officer’s primary responsibilities include the following: (1) Interviews and Investigations; (2) Court Preparation and Presentation; (3) Facilitate Pretrial Supervision Releases; (4) Case Supervision (5) Other Duties as Assigned 
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. 
 
1. Interviews and Investigations

• Interview all defendants booked into the jail facilities and collect, investigate, verify demographic and criminal history information, including but not limited to pending charges, probation/supervision status, family ties, residence stability, victim information, and employment history by using data systems, contacting personal references, and employment references, etc. to determine authenticity of information 
• Perform assessment of risk and need for every booked defendant, conducting immediate safety and flight risk assessments and recommending holds for First Appearance as appropriate
• Screen defendants and determine indigence for appointment of counsel
• Compile a comprehensive pretrial report to the First Appearance judge with appropriate recommendations
• Identify defendants with mental health and substance abuse needs and veteran status

• Prepare and submit a quality summary report to the court that follows the criteria outlined in policies and procedures
• Identify and report risk and need and make appropriate referrals 
• Interact with law enforcement, counsel, jail and court personnel as appropriate to make reliable release recommendations
• Continuously review non-sentenced incarcerated defendants for potential release from custody or early resolution of the case

• Facilitate pretrial supervision releases by providing orientation and review of the court order for defendants approved for pretrial supervision at the Hendry County Jail 
• Conduct holds for Electronic Monitoring until installation of equipment, make appropriate notifications
• Prepare warrants and notify the duty judge on all Electronic Monitoring violations 

• Prepare case files and review all associated paperwork for accuracy and completeness
• Orient defendants to the program and requirements and review required paperwork
• Prepare reporting plans and schedule administrative reviews and appointments
• Document case notes into IJIS databases as applicable
• Conduct on-going supervision of caseload, tracking case from arrest through disposition
• Enforce court orders or agreements and special conditions
• Follow up with treatment providers as necessary
• Provide notification on non-compliance to the court
• Submit warrants, violation reports, extensions and status reports as applicable
• Focus on improving success rates through increased case management contacts
• Implement and further develop reporting procedures
• Conduct and coordinate drug and alcohol screens

QUALIFICATIONS 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Knowledge of: 

• Methods, practices, principles, procedures and techniques used in interviewing and investigating as it pertains to the operation of the department
• Basic structure of the criminal justice system
• Local, state and federal guidelines, rules, regulations and statutes as they pertain to the pretrial operation
• Identifying risk and need, including signs of mental illness and substance abuse 
• Defendant supervision practices 
• Case management practices, court performance measures, and operations
• Computer applications, including but not limited to: IJIS, JIS, Microsoft Word, and Outlook

• Conduct interviews and investigations in a jail setting 
• Deal effectively and professionally with defendants from various backgrounds, in various stressful conditions, with a highly volatile, potentially violent population
• Deal effectively, professionally and confidentially with Judges, non-judicial personnel, attorneys,   and the general public
• Work efficiently and effectively in all areas of criminal case management 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, superiors and the general public
• Efficiently operate a personal computer, utilize Microsoft Office and various other software programs and databases
• Follow written and oral instructions and procedures
• Exhibit sound judgment 
• Effectively interpret general policy, criteria and procedures for specific situations 
• Maintain statistical data and produce reports
• Conduct drug and alcohol testing
• Facilitate electronic monitoring and install equipment if necessary 
• Maintain jail security clearance and the ability to work in a jail setting 
• Work rotating shifts, 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts, holidays, weekends, emergencies, natural disasters, and cover other shifts/assignments as required
• Occasionally be exposed to oleoresin capsicum (O.C.) and other chemical agents and/or odors occurring in the jail
• Write, speak audibly, clearly and accurately in both English and in the Spanish language is a benefit to this position

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, public administration or a related field.  
• Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience preferred.

• Have and maintain a valid Class “E” Florida Driver’s License, with an acceptable driving record, within 10 days of hire
• Obtain and maintain  NCIC/FCIC computer operator certification within 30 days of hire