Job Function:

The Criminal Investigations Detective performs advanced law enforcement and investigative work in support of the Mount Dora Police Department. This position is responsible for conducting thorough criminal investigations, preparing cases for prosecution, and collaborating with local, state, and federal partners. Detectives are expected to demonstrate a high level of initiative, judgment, and professionalism while handling complex and sensitive cases. Duties are performed under the supervision of the Investigations Sergeant.

Career Path:

Essential Duties:

Criminal Investigations

1. Conducts follow-up investigations on criminal cases, including crimes against persons, property crimes, and other complex investigations.
2. Collects, preserves, and analyzes evidence, including physical, digital, and testimonial evidence.
3. Interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects; prepares detailed reports and statements.
4. Prepares arrest warrants, search warrants, and supporting affidavits.
5. Works closely with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure successful prosecution of cases.

Case Management & Documentation

1. Maintains assigned caseload and ensures timely follow-up and case closure.
2. Prepares comprehensive investigative reports, supplements, and case files.
3. Ensures proper evidence handling, submission, and documentation in accordance with department policy and legal standards.
4. Testifies in court proceedings, depositions, and hearings as required.

Intelligence & Interagency Coordination

1. Coordinates investigations with other law enforcement agencies, including FDLE, federal task forces, and regional partners.
2. Utilizes databases such as FCIC/NCIC, DAVID, and RMS systems for investigative purposes.
3. Shares intelligence information in accordance with departmental and state guidelines.

Operational Support

1. Assists patrol officers with major incidents, crime scenes, and critical investigations.
2. Responds to call-outs for serious incidents, including homicides, major crimes, and complex investigations.
3. Provides guidance and investigative support to patrol personnel.

Community & Professional Standards

1. Maintains positive relationships with victims, witnesses, and community members.
2. Ensures all investigations are conducted in compliance with constitutional requirements, Florida Statutes, and department policies.
3. Participates in training and professional development to maintain investigative proficiency.

Confidentiality

1. Maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive investigative information.
2. Ensures proper handling and storage of evidence and restricted information.

Miscellaneous

1. Driving of City Vehicles (A valid Florida Driver’s License is required)
2. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of criminal law, investigative techniques, and evidence collection procedures.
• Ability to conduct thorough and objective investigations.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to analyze information and make sound investigative decisions.
• Knowledge of legal requirements related to search warrants, arrests, and evidence handling.
• Strong interpersonal and interview/interrogation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases.
• Ability to testify effectively in court.
• Proficiency in computer systems, RMS, and law enforcement databases.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field preferred.
• Basic Recruit Certificate-Law Enforcement Officer from the state of Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or completion of a Commission-approved equivalency program
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of sworn law enforcement experience required, with substantial experience in criminal investigations. Candidates must demonstrate a proven ability to independently conduct complex investigations, manage caseloads, and prepare cases for prosecution. Prior assignment to a Criminal Investigations Division or equivalent investigative unit is required.
• Certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Investigations or equivalent course preferred
• Valid Florida Drivers License
• Complete the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) training within 6 months of completion of probationary period.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to talk by means of spoken words.
• Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle. (Driving of City Vehicles; a valid Florida Driver’s License is required)
• Ability to respond to emergency and high-stress situations.
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without corrections).
• Able to distinguish colors, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Acceptable hearing (with or with hearing aid).
• Able to lift and /and or carry weights of 100 pounds
• Sitting most of the time.
• Walking or standing for periods of time.
• Use of hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls or tools.
• Able to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• Able to taste and smell
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machines and equipment including computer, copier, telephone, calculator, etc.
• Exhibit physical strength and agility, and freedom from serious defects that would preclude on from performing the essential functions of the position.
• Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting police vehicles, lifting, carrying and dragging heavy object; climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles
• Jumping down from elevated positions
• Climbing through opening, jumping over obstacles, ditches, and streams
• Crawling in confined areas
• Balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Be able to lift and rag a 200 pound person for a distance of 100 feet.
• Be able to climb over a 6 foot wall or an 8 foot fence.
• Be able to run ¼ mile.
• Must be able to operate firearms, department-approved impact weapons, police vehicles, handcuffs, rope, narcotics testing kits, fingerprinting equipment, computer typewriters, measurement equipment, communication equipment, flashlight, first aid kit, flares and safety devices, area maps and diagrams, severe weather clothing, florida uniform traffic citations, misdemeanor citations, incident report forms, accident report forms, constitutional rights warning cards, writing instruments, cameras, and body armor.

Environmental Conditions:

• Works in outside weather conditions and occasionally exposed to wet and/ humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat and vibration.
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places.
• Work is performed in both office and field environments.
• Requires irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call assignments.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous and stressful situations.
• Frequent interaction with the public, victims, and suspects.

(Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with existing ADA requirements for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)

Note: Job Descriptions are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. E-Verify Works for Everyone For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.

The City of Mount Dora is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Mount Dora will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Mount Dora is a drug-free, smoke-free, EOE.