Pretrial Interviewer

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•Bartow, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Interviews defendants booked into the Polk County Jail to collect demographic and background information for the First Appearance interview documentation package. Prepares and organizes the package and other required documents to provide the First Appearance Judge and court personnel with accurate, complete, and timely information needed for the hearing.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
Must be able to utilize all features afforded by word processing software, spreadsheet, and data management software.
A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications
Valid Driver’s license required; must obtain a Florida license upon employment.
Must maintain a clean driving record to operate an assigned county vehicle.
Regular attendance, punctuality, and integrity are essential due to the high degree of public accountability within the Court Services Division and BoCC.
Must have own daily transportation and telephone as employee is subject to call.
Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to background investigation to evaluate moral character.
Must successfully clear pre-employment psychological evaluation.
Must undergo a Level 2 (FDLE) screening submitted electronically before commencing work. This certification must be maintained as a condition of employment.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Knowledge of: Pretrial Services organization and function of the court system.
Court procedures and operations.
Penal code regulations and jail procedures.
Laws and procedures relating to the receipt, maintenance, and distribution of confidential court records.
Investigative procedures related to criminal justice records.
Microsoft 365 and other applicable applications.
Skills in: Utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, and data management software.
Observation, organization, and documentation.
Troubleshooting and problem solving in real time.
Clear and concise communication, both oral and written.
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with courts, law enforcement, and community partners (including the Office of the State Attorney, Office of the Public Defender, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and community supervision agencies).
Work independently and collaboratively in a team setting to meet deadlines.
Maintain productivity in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Adapt to changing demands and provide accurate, timely information.
Become familiar with criminal justice agencies and community resources.
Perform all essential job duties as required by the Court Services Division.

Responsibilities

Interview and Data Collection
Interviews defendants booked in the Polk County Jail during the pretrial phase of their criminal court action(s), including those with military or parole commission holds and sentenced prisoners from a correctional facility with an order to secure to the Polk County Jail.
Obtains demographic and background information, including legal name, aliases, social security number, residence history, employment status, education, marital and family stability, military service, financial information, community ties, physical and mental health status, substance use history, and references.
Collects prior and current local, state, and national criminal history information as available.
Verification and Documentation
Verifies information obtained from defendants through multiple applications, including CJIS, NCIC/FCIC, or other approved investigative systems.
Reviews defendant’s pretrial release status and identifies any prior open cases for inclusion in the First Appearance packet.
Prepares and completes required forms, reports, memoranda, and documentation packages for the First Appearance hearing.
Court Support
Submits documentation to the court to ensure judges and court personnel have accurate and comprehensive information.
Attends First Appearance hearings as required and provides information or recommendations as applicable.
Performs related duties as directed by the Supervisor and/or Director.