Cold Case Detective

About the Department

An individual in this position is a Cold Case Investigator for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and must meet all criteria required by Florida Statute and applicable ACSO policy.

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
Highly responsible follow-up investigative work on cold cases at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Position involves the review, organization, analyzation, and electronic documentation of cold case files. Position carries the responsibility for detection, apprehension, and prosecution of criminal offenders.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Persons Crimes Sergeant. Performance is evaluated through observation, oral/written reports, results obtained, and appropriate employee performance appraisals.

Position Duties

• Investigate all assigned cases fully and follow each one to its conclusion
• Properly prepare assigned cases for prosecution by the State Attorney's Office, if a criminal violation(s) occurred and probable cause exists for charges
• Assist other divisions within the Sheriff's Office on investigations by coordinating information and efforts
• Identify all persons that arouse suspicion and investigate their criminal ties, if any, to the case being investigated
• Conduct in-depth investigations of criminal incidents, as assigned, either independently or as part of a coordinated effort
• Keep immediate supervisor informed of case progress by verbal and written means
• Be thoroughly familiar with Florida State Statutes and local ordinances, and keep up to date on any changes or new laws; have a working knowledge of Federal Laws and other laws pertaining to surrounding jurisdictions
• Provide timely supplemental additions to assigned cases, as required
• Maintain cooperative and friendly working relations with ACSO Detective and Investigators, as well as with Detectives and Investigators from other jurisdictions
• Give the earliest attention to the interviewing of suspects developed in cases to establish direct or indirect links to that and/or other cases
• Give the earliest attention to interviewing suspects incarcerated on assigned or similar cases to expedite the filing of additional charges and/or clearing other cases
• Be alert for the occurrence of multiple crimes showing similarity in modus operandi or in the same general location indicating similar crime operations, and advise a supervisor of situations which may indicate a need for increased patrol or enforcement in specific areas
• Utilize all available resources for the clearance of crimes, arrest of offenders, and the recovery of property
• Interview all victims, complainants, suspects, and witnesses in all assigned cases after properly identifying his/her self with issued credentials
• Interact with surviving family members
• Constantly cultivate sources of information and informants that will aid in the investigation and solution of assigned and unassigned cases in the apprehension of perpetrators and in the suppression of organized crime
• Obtain confessions from suspects in the form of sworn statements whenever possible
• Prepare Search Warrants or Search Warrant Affidavits when necessary with sworn co-affiant
• Prepare Arrest Warrants when appropriate with sworn co-affiant
• Become proficient in surveillance techniques and undercover operations
• Be able to perform any additional duties that may be required of the Cold Case Investigator, with proper related training

*This section of the job description for Cold Case Investigator and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of specific job functions or tasks does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the position.Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
High School Diploma / GEDRequiredAssociate's Degree or betterPreferredPreferred Major(s): Criminal Justice or other related field

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Five (5) or more years of experience in law enforcement
• Prior homicide investigative experience, preferred

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:

• Current, valid Florida driver license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sit/stand for extended periods of time
• See/hear at normal range
• Speak, read, write and understand English fluently
• Bend and squat
• Manual dexterity
• Lift/carry 15 lbs.
• Push/pull light loads
• Ambulate independently
• Drive a vehicle
• Pass ACSO’s various driving tests as required

Other Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of current legal procedures and case law
• Considerable knowledge of rules of search and seizure and of evidence collection
• Skilled in time management, decision-making, and problem solving
• Skilled in interviewing and investigation
• Skilled in the use of small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems
• Ability to work effectively on his/her own and/or as part of a team on a case(s) of mutual interest to other CID personnel
• Ability to share information and intelligence with other CID personnel, other Sworn Divisions within the Sheriff's Office, and with surrounding agencies as needs dictate
• Above average planning skills
• The ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, impartially, and with respect to the rights of others
• The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• The ability to maintain security and confidentiality of cases and other matters
• The ability to react quickly and calmly under adverse and/or emergency condition
• The ability to learn to utilize the Sheriff's Office computer information systems in daily investigative efforts
• The ability to utilize the capabilities and resources of other entities, to include, but not limited to, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and local, state, and federal code/civil enforcement agencies
• Ability to compose/write sometimes lengthy supplements detailing all activity and information on a case
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the ACSO administration, co-workers, other agencies, and the general public