NCJ Number
177432
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 23 Issue: 5 Dated: May 1999 Pages: 24-28
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Investigators for prosecuting attorneys have the mission of obtaining evidence to build a strong case that will stand up in court and lead to a conviction.
Abstract
Such investigators usually are sworn police or peace officers, have full arrest powers, are armed, and must qualify regularly on the range. Most prosecuting attorney's offices prefer investigators to have at least 5 years of law enforcement experience. Investigators work cases ranging from fraud to multiple murders, often in close cooperation with law enforcement agencies but from a different angle. Responsibilities include pure investigation work as well as legal tasks, and most investigators indicate tracking down witnesses represents a significant portion of their duties. Other assignments involve surveying, photographing and diagramming crime scenes, conducting legal research, serving warrants and subpoenas, making arrests, engaging in undercover work, interviewing witnesses, and collecting and processing evidence. The primary responsibility of investigators, however, involves building a successful case to ensure a successful prosecution and conviction. The importance of teamwork in investigations and problems and concerns of investigators are addressed. 2 photographs