*Please be advised this is an on-call position and is as needed.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, public administration or a related field
Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience preferred
NCIC/FCIC certification within 30 days of hire and continuous certification throughout employment
Ability to maintain jail security clearance and work in a jail setting
Knowledge of methods, practices, principles, procedures and techniques used in interviewing and investigating as it pertains to the operation of the department
Ability to write, speak audibly, clearly and accurately in both English and in the Spanish language in a diverse environment is preferred.
SUMMARY
The pretrial officer performs professional investigative work around the clock to provide quality and timely information to the criminal courts, which supports the judicial decision to release or detain the defendant. 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 reports directly to the pretrial supervisor.
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) Other Duties as Assigned
Examples of Duties
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
Travel to the Core facility and conduct Public Defender screenings during First Appearance
(2) Court Preparation and Presentation
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
(3) Facilitate Pretrial Supervision Releases
Facilitate pretrial supervision releases by providing orientation and review of the court order for defendants approved for pretrial supervision at the Lee County Jail and Core Facility
Conduct holds for Electronic Monitoring until installation of equipment, make appropriate notifications
Prepare warrants and notify the duty judge on all Electronic Monitoring violations
(4) Other Duties as Assigned
Typical Qualifications
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
Case management practices, court performance measures and operations
Computer applications, including but not limited to: Odyssey, IJIS, JIS, Microsoft Word, and Outlook
Ability to:
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
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 testing
Facilitate electronic monitoring and install equipment if necessary
Maintain jail security clearance and the ability to work in a jail setting
Cover other shifts and assignments as required
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 preferred
Supplemental Information
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
Specific related experience of pretrial and/or jail intake operations required.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
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