Deputy Sheriff/Investigator – Drug Unit

Dalton, GA
Whitfield County Sheriffs Office

Description
PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION
The purpose of this classification is to perform intermediate protective service work investigating criminal activity in the County, involving investigating crimes and complaints, apprehending suspects and criminals, gathering and preserving evidence, and presenting evidence and testimony in court.

Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • Conducts investigations in criminal cases as assigned and/or initiates cases on own as appropriate.
  • Reviews and analyzes all previous reports prepared in the preliminary phase of a criminal investigation; conducts additional interviews and interrogations; arranges polygraph examinations; reviews departmental records; seeks additional information from uniformed deputies, informants, citizens, witnesses, etc.; reviews results of laboratory examinations; arranges for dissemination of information as appropriate.
  • Plans, organizes, and conducts searches; arranges for and conducts surveillance; collects and preserves physical evidence; determines involvement of suspects in other crimes; identifies suspects’ criminal histories; identifies and arrests suspects; develops and provides line-ups.
  • Obtains information on persons or property involved in a crime from witnesses, victims, or others with knowledge of the incident; conducts video-taped interviews at child advocacy center with victims and witnesses; interviews persons and uses departmental records to assist in criminal investigations.
  • Assists the District Attorney in the preparation of criminal cases for trial; keeps current with new case laws and court decisions that may effect the outcome of cases; reviews all documents, papers, and notes related to an investigation to allow for knowledgeable courtroom testimony; provides depositions to the court on incidents where they have direct knowledge or information.
  • Secures crime scenes; gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing victims, witnesses, informants and suspects; performs searches of people, vehicles and buildings; takes and files photographs; takes detailed confessions; prepares investigative reports of findings, facts, and related information; makes arrests and processes arrested suspects; detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis for probable cause for criminal acts; seizes or confiscates illegal substances or apparatus, such as drugs, drug equipment, or gambling devices; places and secures seized or confiscated items into property control; maintains the chain of custody of all evidence in accordance with current search and seizure laws and departmental policy.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED; three years of experience in law enforcement; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must successfully complete the State of Georgia, Basic Mandate Training and Basic Detective Mandate. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Peace Officer certification.