Job Description

Pretrial Officer (Intake & Investigation Unit)

Why Should You Apply To The Administrative Office Of The Courts For The 20th Judicial Circuit?

Great working environment

Growth and Development Opportunities

Competitive Benefits Package

Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualifying Employer

Tuition Assistance

Paid Holidays

Retirement Plan Options

457 Deferred Compensation Plans

Key Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, public information or a related field

Two years of criminal justice, case management or investigative experience

Knowledge of Charlotte County Court System and area substance abuse and mental health providers

Ability to work the required hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., (4) nights per week at the Charlotte County jail; including evenings, weekends & holidays

Ability to work with individuals who may be under the influence of intoxicants and/or may be hostile or mentally ill in order to complete the required interview questions

Ability to obtain & maintain NCIC/FCIC certification (which is required within 30 days of hire)

Ability to obtain & maintain Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP) Certification within 1 year of hire

Valid Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record (which is required within 10 days of hire)

Summary

The Pretrial Officer (Intake & Investigation Unit) 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. Pretrial Officers in the Intake & Investigation unit conduct a full intake/investigation on defendants as a part of the booking process into the jail. Pretrial Officers verify the inmate's 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 (Intake & Investigation Unit) reports directly to the Criminal Division Director. A Pretrial Officer's primary responsibilities include the following: (1) Conduct Pretrial Services Booking Interviews; (2) Determine Indigent Status for Public Defender Representation; (3) Write Summary Reports that Include a Detailed Criminal History of the Defendant and Recommendation to the Judge Regarding Pretrial Release, (4) Research Probation Status and Prepare Widman Warrants, and (5) Perform 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) Conduct Pretrial Services Booking Interviews

• Interview all defendants booked into the jail facilities in order to provide a quality pretrial report to the 1st Appearance Judge
• As part of the pretrial interview identify alcohol, drug, mental health, and/or other problems and refer to appropriate agencies for further assessment
• Update pretrial officers in the courtroom as to any defendants that have applied for the public defender since the previous interview so the most up to date information is available in the courtroom
• Based on the defendant's interview, prepare and submit to the Court a recommendation that follows the criteria and procedures outlined in the Pretrial Officers Intake Unit Training Manual, including community stability, interpretation of interview data and consultation with supervisor as appropriate

(2) Determine Indigent Status for Public Defender Representation

• Present information to all defendants regarding the possible appointment of the Office of the Public Defender
• Screen all defendants for determination of indigence for public defender representation when appropriate

(3) Write Summary Reports that Include a Detailed Criminal History of the Defendant and Recommendation to the Judge Regarding Pretrial Release

• Complete pretrial paperwork with a written summary report detailing a defendant's full criminal history and community ties
• Complete pretrial interview packet with the defendant by using booking information, local criminal history information, NCIC/FCIC criminal history information, the defendants family/friends input, and appropriate interviewing skills
• Verify defendant's responses by using data systems and contacting personal references, employment references, etc. to determine authenticity of information and to make reliable recommendations
• Assist court pretrial officers in preparation for court attendance by updating/pulling pretrial reports and updating any other paperwork that will be used in court to ensure Pretrial Services is providing the most accurate and current information available on each defendant
• Interact with law enforcement, state attorneys and public defenders, jail personnel, and court personnel as appropriate to make reliable release recommendations

(4) Research Probation Status and Prepare Widman Warrants

• Verify whether the defendant is presently on county and/or state probation utilizing appropriate databases
• Prepare a Widman Warrant for first appearance when appropriate

(5) Perform Other Duties as Assigned

• Assist with Polycom duties
• Other duties as assigned

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
• Social casework principles and methods
• Basic structure of the criminal justice system
• Local, state and federal guidelines, rules, regulations and statutes as they pertain to the pretrial operation
• Computer applications, including but not limited to: Benchmark, Smartbench, 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
• Deal professionally with a highly volatile, potentially violent population
• Deal effectively, professionally and confidentially with Judges, non-judicial personnel, attorneys, and the general public
• Provide effective, accurate, professional, polite, friendly, and prompt customer service to the public and other agency personnel, AOC employees, and the Judiciary
• Efficiently operate a computer and utilize Microsoft Office Word and Outlook along with various other software programs and databases
• Follow written and oral instructions and procedures
• Effectively interpret general policy, criteria and procedures for specific situations
• Identify symptoms of substance abuse and emotional problems
• Conduct drug testing
• Exhibit sound judgment
• Maintain focus in a busy surrounding
• Maintain jail security clearance
• Work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends
• Cover other shifts when required
• Maintain consistent and regular attendance, which is required
• Work the required hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.,4 nights per week at the Charlotte County jail
• Travel to the courthouse when needed

Supplemental Information

Education and/or Experience

Graduation from an accredited 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.

Knowledge of Charlotte County Court System and area substance abuse and mental health providers.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Driver's License is required (Florida Driver's License required within 10 days of hire).

NCIC/FCIC certification within 30 days of hire and continuous certification throughout employment.

Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP Certification) within 1 year of hire

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