Job Descriptions

Under direction of the Investigations Division Sergeant, the Detective is expected to perform comprehensive criminal investigation work; law enforcement and crime prevention work; to enforce State and local laws and ordinances; to train and mentor incumbents of the rotational Detective positions.

The Detective assists the Investigations Sergeant in performing lead worker responsibilities and field supervision of crime scenes, in addition to performing investigative work and general administrative activities in carrying out the direction of the Chief of Police.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock Associated Police Officers bargaining unit for labor relation’s purposes, and is subject to on-call, overtime, standby and callback.

The non-rotational Detective classification is assigned advanced journey level investigative and leadwork and may be called upon to act as the first line supervisor in the absence of the Investigations Sergeant. An incumbent in this class may be called upon to lead Investigators engaged in criminal investigation activities as determined by the Investigative Sergeant. Incumbents perform leadworker and training activities in addition to performing the full range of complex and routine investigative work assignments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Respond to in-progress calls requiring immediate law enforcement assistance.
• Conducts criminal and special investigations, including domestic violence, burglaries, thefts, robberies, assaults, homicides and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws.
• Prepares case documentation for filing with the District Attorney and presents case evidence in Court as required.
• Receives calls from and assists other law enforcement agencies in emergencies or with requests for assistance with investigations.
• Coordinates with supervisor on progress and problems concerning assigned cases.
• Supervises crime scene investigations.
• Maintains records on investigative assignments.
• May perform duties in other areas of the Police Department, when called upon to do so.
• Assists other Detectives with follow-up investigations, and is actively involved in the routine gathering of evidence, questioning of witnesses, apprehension of suspects.
• Assists rotational Detectives in preparing case reports for trial and preparing for appearances in court to present evidence testimony.
• Maintains, facilitates and actively participates in the achievement of the Turlock Police Department Mission, Goals and Values.
• Provides information and guidance to the public/victims regarding case status and processes.
• May review reports submitted by officers and/or other Detectives to insure completeness.
• Conducts in-service training and provides input in the performance appraisal process for rotational detectives.

Knowledge of:

• Modern police methods and procedures, including crime prevention techniques.
• Criminal law, with particular emphasis on apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of misdemeanors and felonies.
• Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the preservation and presentation of evidence in court.
• Criminal investigation techniques and procedures, including crime scene investigation, interrogation, fingerprinting and photography.
• Recent court decisions on arrest, search, interrogation procedures and the handling of suspects and prisoners.
• Maintains a clear understanding of the concepts and philosophy of Community Policing and Problem Oriented Policing.
• Principles of supervision and training.
• Use and care of firearms.

Ability to:

• Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence.
• Draw logical conclusions from information and make proper recommendations.
• Interpret and apply laws and regulations.
• Train and mentor rotational Detectives in the full range of investigative procedures.
• Analyze situations quickly and accurately, and take effective courses of action.
• Demonstrate keen powers of observation and memory.
• Meet established standards of physical endurance, agility, and vision.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
• Practically apply the philosophy of Community Policing, toward achieving the organizational mission statement.

Experience:

Five years of law enforcement work, three of which must be with Turlock Police Department.

Completed one year in an investigative assignment with Turlock Police Department.

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from High School, and a minimum of thirty (30) units of college coursework from an accredited college or university.

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Possession of a P.O.S.T. Intermediate certificate.

Maintain physical ability and stamina to meet police and safety standards including: See well enough to drive vehicles under emergency conditions, make valid identifications, use firearms, detect hazardous situations, write legible reports; Hears and speaks well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person over incident noise, to be alert to situations of danger; bodily mobility to make rapid transitions from rest to near maximum exertion without warm-up periods, stamina and endurance necessary in the apprehension of combative suspects, use of hands and fingers to write, to utilize safety gear, and drive vehicles under emergency conditions; ability to distinguish hazardous odors; must be able to lift equipment as necessary.