Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Classification Title

Police Detective (Criminal Investigator)

Department

Public Safety

Status/Pay Range

Non-Exempt, A-30

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Police Detective is a critical role within the Nisqually Public Safety Department, responsible for upholding law enforcement and treaty rights enforcement to protect the Nisqually Tribe, its community, and its natural resources. This position is primarily tasked with investigating reported and suspected violations of the Nisqually Tribal Code and serves as the lead investigator for crimes occurring on the Nisqually Reservation and other properties held by the Tribe. The Detective conducts both assigned and self-initiated criminal investigations in support of all divisions within Nisqually Public Safety, including Police, Corrections, and Fish & Wildlife. The work is primarily reactive, involving follow-up investigations to ensure thorough case development for prosecutorial review or referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies. The Detective collaborates closely with other divisions to maintain public safety and peace. Responsibilities include protecting life and property, preventing and investigating crime, apprehending offenders, and ensuring enforcement of the Nisqually Tribal code as well as applicable federal and state laws under the Tribe's jurisdiction.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Conducts criminal investigations by responding to emergency and sensitive calls, assessing scenes, collecting and preserving evidence, interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects, and ensuring thorough case development.
• Responds to all emergencies including crimes in progress, domestic disturbances, and missing persons. Upon arrival, ensures scene safety, evaluate urgency, and determines the need for additional resources or escalation.
• Determines jurisdiction at crime scenes, detains or arrests suspects based on probable cause, preserves the scene, initiates investigations, and reports major incidents to the supervisor or Chief of Police.
• Responds to accident scenes; provides first aid as needed, requests medical assistance; secures the scene; interviews witnesses, sketches scene layouts, and prepares official accident reports. Issues citations or makes arrests as warranted.
• Collects and preserves physical evidence, photographs scenes, creates sketches, and processes prints or other materials using appropriate forensic tools.
• Arrests or detains suspects, using only the level of force necessary to control individuals under the circumstance; conducts searches, advises individuals of their rights, and transports them to appropriate detention facilities.
• Pursues investigative leads, apprehends violators, and performs suspect interviews in compliance with legal standards and without coercion.
• Interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects; obtain statements, investigate backgrounds, and ensure lawful and ethical interrogation practices.
• Appears in court to testify regarding arrests and investigations, presenting facts and responding to prosecution and defense questioning.
• Prepares clear, detailed, and accurate written reports for use in investigations, court proceedings, and department records.
• Explains relevant laws and legal proceedings to involved parties; advises on options or refers individuals to higher authorities when appropriate.
• Obtains search warrants as needed for investigating persons, property, or data.
• Analyzes cases to determine appropriate charges and jurisdiction; collaborates with prosecutors for case development and trial preparations.
• Serve subpoenas and court orders such as writs of execution, restitution, and other civil processes.
• Determines when to enter missing persons or stolen property into the (Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems for nationwide notification.
• Transports detainees or prisoners for medical care, court appearances, or transfer to other facilities.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of local roads, landmarks, public activity patterns, and known individuals of interest.
• Observes patrol areas including rural, residential, commercial and industrial zones for signs of criminal or unusual activity.
• Collaborates with other law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, or local departments as needed to support investigations and gather intelligence.
• Engages with the community to build trust, promote crime prevention, and encourage the reporting of suspicious activity.
• Uses investigative technology, criminal databases, surveillance tools, and forensic systems to support case work.
• Maintains organized and detailed case files, documenting evidence, interviews, and investigative steps for legal and administrative purposes.
• Participate in ongoing training to remain informed of changes in laws, investigative procedures, and law enforcement best practices.
• Manages critical incidents effectively, ensuring public safety, securing scenes, and coordinating resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law Enforcement or a related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience as a Detective or Criminal Investigator.
• Must have attended and passed BIA-FLETC Basic Police Academy and be eligible to attend WA CJTC equivalency academy
• Must be able to demonstrate skills in leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of preparing detailed investigative reports and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must have experience with using various regional law enforcement databases for investigative purposes.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, valid First Aid and CPR certification.
• Must successfully pass an extensive background investigation, including psychological and polygraph examinations
• Must not have been arrested or convicted of a felony.
• Must not have been arrested or convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• Must successfully qualify with duty firearms prior to performing the duties of this position.

• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of BIA FLETC Criminal Investigators Training Program

SUPERVISION

This position may from time to time periodically supervise officers or staff during the investigation process of a crime or employ assistance in the furtherance of an active investigation. This position reports to the Police Lieutenant.

COMPETENCIES Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position . · Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, and traditions, with demonstrated cultural sensitivity.· Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.· Ability to work and navigate Tribal, Federal and State jurisdictions and legal systems. · Knowledge of the rules, regulations and procedures of the Nisqually Tribal code and related ordinances.· Knowledge of investigative techniques and protocols related to sex crimes involving both adult and child victims.· Knowledge and experience investigating MMIPW cases, including culturally informed practices and collaboration with indigenous communities. · Knowledge of the principles and techniques of modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, criminal identification, rules of evidence, recordkeeping and other aspects of law enforcement.· Knowledge and understanding of criminal behavior patterns and the psychological, social, and environmental factors contributing to criminality. · Skill in using law enforcement databases, case management systems, and investigative software tools.· Skill in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including social services, prosecutors, and victim advocates, especially in cases involving vulnerable populations. · Ability to analyze complex police problems and to adopt quick, reasonable courses of action with considering surrounding hazards and circumstances.· Ability to conduct effective interviews and interrogations, including trauma-informed approaches with victims and witnesses. · Ability to prepare and maintain thorough written case documentation while in compliance with legal procedures. · Ability to manage multiple cases while ensuring consistent progress and continuity in each investigation. · Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external agencies, tribal officials, and the public.· Ability to learn, interpret and correctly apply laws relevant to law enforcement operations. · Ability to develop proficiency in the use and proper handling of firearms, in accordance with department regulations and applicable laws.· Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. · Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity, in accordance with applicable laws and departmental policy. · Ability to engage with community members, build trust, and foster cooperative relationships to support crime prevention and investigations. · Ability to accurately recall details such as names, faces, incidents, identifying characters of people and objects.· Ability to cope with situations firmly, tactfully and with respect for the rights of others.· Ability to perform duties while maintaining professional conduct, attitude and appearance in accordance with policies, procedures, and discipline.· Ability to remain readily available for duty, follow the orders, and uphold a strict personal and organizational code of conduct and ethics.· Ability to effectively handle criticism and remain calm under pressure, managing high-stress situations with professionalism and poise.· Ability to adapt to a disciplined work environment and flexible or irregular hours. · Willingness to participate in ongoing training, certifications, and legal updates to maintain professional competence. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, run, and climb stairs or navigate uneven terrain for extended periods. Must be physically capable of operating a variety of law enforcement tools and equipment, including firearms, handcuffs, radios, and surveillance devices. The role may occasionally involve lifting, carrying, or dragging individuals or objects weighing up to 100 pounds in emergency or tactical situations. A high level of physical fitness is essential to perform in high-stress situations, such as foot pursuits or suspect apprehensions. Employees must have clear vision, hearing, and communication skills necessary to perform duties in a variety of environmental conditions, including low light, adverse weather, and potentially hazardous or high-risk scenarios. The position may also involve working extended hours, nights, weekends, or holidays, with the need to respond to incidents on short notice.

The signature below represents that I have read and understand all the prerequisites for the above position, and I acknowledge that I can perform the essential functions and physical requirements of the position.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Job Tags

Holiday work, Local area, Felony friendly, Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work,

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