Police Investigator

JOB SUMMARY

The Houston ISD Police Investigator conducts complex criminal and administrative investigations involving students, staff, visitors, and district property. The investigator is responsible for gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing involved parties, preparing detailed case documentation, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to support school safety and ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and prosecutorial standards. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first
1.        Conduct criminal and administrative investigations involving students, staff, visitors, and district property.
2.        Interview victims, witnesses, suspects, and other involved parties.
3.        prepare detailed reports, case files, affidavits, and investigative summaries.
4.        Review surveillance footage, records, and other materials related to assigned cases. 
5.        Coordinate with school administrators, patrol officers, prosecutors, child advocacy centers, and outside law enforcement agencies. 
6.        Manage assigned caseloads from initial complaint through final disposition in a timely manner
7.        File charges or assist with case presentation to the appropriate prosecuting authority when warranted.
8.        Testify in court, hearings, and administrative proceedings as required.
9.        Respond to serious incidents, major felony investigations, and other sensitive cases affecting district safety.
10.        Maintain confidentiality of investigative records and sensitive information.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

11.        Ensure all investigations are conducted in compliance with department policy, district procedures, and applicable law.
12.        Provide investigative guidance and assistance to patrol officers and campus personnel.
13.        Prepare status updates and briefing materials for the command staff.
14.        Assist with search warrants, arrests, and coordination of investigative operations related to assigned cases.
15.        Perform other related duties as assigned.
16.        Respond to callouts and remain available 24 hours a day, as required, for major incidents and critical investigations.
17.        Other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED required.
(Preferred: Some college coursework in criminal justice or related field)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5 years of law enforcement experience required.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Software/Systems Skills Required:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with Records Management Systems (RMS)
Working knowledge of NCIC/TCIC and JWEB systems

Certifications/Licensure

Must possess a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Advanced Peace Officer Certification. 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

No direct supervisory responsibilities. Provides guidance, technical expertise, and training support to personnel as needed.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Performs complex investigative work requiring analysis, interpretation, and independent decision-making
Exercises sound judgment in applying laws, policies, and investigative procedures
Works with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
Errors in judgment may impact case outcomes and legal compliance

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required. 

PROBLEM SOLVING

Applies critical thinking to resolve complex investigative problems 
Evaluates information, identifies solutions, and implements appropriate actions 
Adjusts approach based on changing circumstances and available evidence 
Ensures decisions comply with legal and policy requirements

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

•    Exercises independent judgment that directly affects criminal case outcomes and prosecution viability 
•    Decisions carry legal, operational, and reputational consequences for the department 
•    Failure to act appropriately may result in dismissal, liability exposure, or risk to public safety 
•    Provides investigative direction that influences unit performance and command-level decision-making 

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

•    Requires frequent interaction with internal staff, external agencies, and the public 
•    Must communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats 
•    Regularly prepares reports and provides testimony in legal proceedings 
•    Maintains professional communication in high-stress and sensitive situations 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

•    Work performed in office, school campus, and field environments 
•    Frequent travel throughout the district and surrounding jurisdictions 
•    Responds to crime scenes, schools, hospitals, residences, and court locations 
•    Exposure to high-stress, sensitive, and potentially hazardous situations 
•    May encounter violent incidents, crime scenes, and emotionally charged environments 
•    Regular interaction with victims, witnesses, suspects, students, staff, and parents 
•    Required to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion 
•    Subject to irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays 
•    Must maintain 24-hour on-call availability for major incidents and callouts 
•    Required to respond during emergencies, critical incidents, and inclement weather 
•    Work may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and driving 
•    Physical activity includes bending, lifting, and carrying evidence or investigative equipment 
•    Must be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions in dynamic situations