PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR

Executive Service PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATORTennessee Public Defenders ConferenceLegalFayetteville, TNClosing Date: 05/21/2026 Who we are and what we do: The Criminal Investigator will work at the pleasure of the District Public Defender and will be under his/her direct supervision. The Investigator will work with the assistant public defenders to conduct fact-finding investigations for their indigent clients charged with criminal offenses. Job Overview: The Investigator will collaborate with staff attorneys, support staff, and external agencies/people to gather, analyze and document all information needed to develop effective defense strategies. Key Responsibilities: Work closely with staff attorneys to determine the scope, timing, and direction of defense investigationsWork to establish a relationship of trust and confidence with clientsConduct an initial detailed interview with clientsConduct follow up interviews with clients as neededReview and analyze the discovery packet received from the District Attorneys OfficeIdentify, locate, and take detailed statements of state and defense witnessesExamine, document and photograph crime scenesPerform background checks of witnessesLocate and collect any records not provided in the discovery packetDiligently and thoroughly document all work and information gatheredProvide all information gathered to and consult with the staff attorneys on the investigation progress and resultsProvide all information gathered to support staff for the physical case file and the digital PD data systemServe subpoenas when neededTestify in court about work conducted in the course of the investigationMinimum Qualifications: The applicant must have a valid drivers license and dependable transportation.The applicant must have an associates degree from an accredited college.Prior criminal Investigator experience is strongly preferred but not required.Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.