Criminal Defense Investigator - Public Defender (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

About the role

Note: Current Employees must use the Workday Dashboard career section to apply for this position. Employee Type: Regular Department: Public Defender Salary: $63,814.40 - $88,878.40 Annually / $5,317.87 - $7,406.53 Monthly / $30.68 - $42.73 Hourly Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Overtime Eligibile: Yes Job Posting Date Range: 06/02/2026 - Until Filled Job Summary: WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) submitting applications between 6/02/26 and 6/09/26. The position allocated to this class is responsible for independently performing extensive, specialized investigative tasks requiring a broad understanding of criminal law, criminal procedure and current forensic principles. Under the general direction of a designated supervisor, job duties include the collection and evaluation of evidence relative to active cases before the Public Defender and Counsel for Defense. This classification differs from investigative classifications in the County Sheriff's Department by its lack of powers of arrest and requirement to carry a firearm. It differs from the Investigator classification within the Prosecuting Attorney's Office by more extensive and complex investigation duties required in criminal defense work. Job Description: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Plans and independently conducts a full range of criminal investigations which may include homicides, robberies, sexual assaults, crimes against children, property crimes, narcotics, etc. Reviews case information, police reports, photographs, supporting documents, forensic evidence and witness statements to plan and conduct investigations. Manages a large case load in an accurate and timely manner; sets priorities and balances the competing aspects of urgent requests; maintains detailed records concerning work performed, work still to be completed and deadlines. Works closely with the attorney assigned to the case in preparation for trial including maintaining all necessary investigative files; reading, reviewing and analyzing pertinent police reports for investigative sufficiency; assisting the attorney in reviewing the case and providing detailed information relative to the investigation in a thorough and professional manner. Ascertains, locates and obtains necessary case related documents. Identifies, locates, tracks and interviews witnesses, victims and defendants. Takes statements and conducts interviews either in the field or office and creates related reports. Confers with attorneys on the reliability and credibility of witnesses; helps prepare witness testimony. Answers questions and explains court procedures as needed. Interviews law enforcement officers and others who may have official or professional information relevant to a legal defense. Establishes and maintains equitable working relationships with agencies, groups and individuals, both public and private, including varied social service and education agencies; coordinates particular efforts of the department with these entities. Gains and maintains current knowledge in a broad scope of forensic fields including DNA analysis, photography, videographic evidence (surveillance/body cams), fingerprints, eyewitness identification, digital media from lap tops, smart phones, tablets, social media searches, self-defense and use of force issues, interpretation of crime scene photography/measurements/CAD drawings and all other applicable areas. Utilizes a variety of electronic equipment and tools, including computers, digital voice recorders, digital cameras, video cameras and recorders, GPS systems, and other related software applications and web-based resources to search for information and potential leads helpful in locating individuals pertinent to the case, including researching and locating expert witnesses. Downloads, opens, converts and copies a large variety of digital media. Inspects, evaluates and reworks crime scenes, including measuring, sketching and photographing the crime scene. Documents observations, evidence and prepares diagrams, charts and scale drawings for use as exhibits in court. Prepares detailed written reports, acceptable as evidence in court, which accurately and completely communicate the investigator's unbiased observation of the facts as discovered during the course of the investigation. May prepare demonstrative evidence for courtroom presentations; transport witnesses; provide courtroom testimony as needed. Gathers, marks, records and preserves physical evidence; determines the importance and relevance of the evidence in investigations; identifies the need to collect additional evidence and does so as necessary. Develops a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement practices and communications including understanding radio traffic, Computer Aided Dispatch reports, policy/procedure for local agenc

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