Under supervision, conducts investigations in support of the District Attorney's Office, of alleged or suspected violations of criminal and civil laws.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is recruiting for dynamic law enforcement officers to join the Bureau of Investigation. The Chief Investigator leads a diverse unit of Investigators with the mission to provide quality and timely investigation and support for the prosecutorial functions of the District Attorney’s Office. A successful candidate would have experience performing detailed investigation of cases such as serious felony cases, homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, gang cases, narcotics, arson, and other major cases.

The Bureau assumes original jurisdiction and is the primary investigative agency in a wide variety of economic crime cases including real estate fraud, major fraud, consumer fraud, elder financial fraud, worker’s compensation fraud, health/long-term disability fraud and auto fraud. Additionally, the Bureau is the primary investigative agency for parental child abductions, Election Code violations, crimes committed by public officials, Fair Political Practices Act violations, Corporation Code violations, environmental health violations, and high-tech crime.

Santa Clara County offers a competitive benefits package and encourages a culture that celebrates its diverse community.

In order for your online application to be submitted and accepted, you must attach a copy of your Regular Basic (or higher) California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certificate.

Please note: Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to participate in the oral examination tentatively scheduled for the week of September 21, 2026.

Conducts investigations of suspected violation of laws, rules and regulations;
Plans and conducts criminal investigations to support Deputy District Attorneys in the prosecution of a wide variety of complex fraud cases, crimes against persons and alleged public corruption;
Investigates crime scenes and gathers intelligence information related to organized crime or gang activities;
Serves legal documents such as subpoenas, warrants, and summonses;
Gathers pertinent information and evidence by interviewing complainants, witnesses, and suspects; investigates crime scenes and conducts intelligence and evidence gathering activities;
Prepares reports, files and recommends issuance of complaints and testifies as a witness in court or at administrative hearings;
Conducts background investigations;
Establishes and maintains working relationships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies;
Develops contacts so that information may be obtained concerning crimes;
Prepares detailed reports of investigations, including synopsis of facts, dates, names, places, findings of arresting officers, statements of witnesses, victims and suspects, and listings of evidence;
Makes arrests and custodial detainments;
Assists Deputy District Attorneys in preparation of cases for prosecution;
Returns prisoners extradited to the State of California;
May coordinate a special unit or field office and serve as a lead for investigators and other support staff, as assigned;
May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
Performs related work as required.

Completion of sixty (60) semester units (90 quarter units) of college level course work,

AND

Three (3) years of patrol experience as a peace officer; and two (2) years of investigative experience equivalent to Criminal Investigator I with the County of Santa Clara.

Special Requirements

Possession of a current Regular Basic (or higher) California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certificate.
Must meet all current hiring standards of P.O.S.T., including passing a P.O.S.T. background investigation, psychological, and physical examination before appointment.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment, and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver's authorization.
Upon appointment, incumbents must continue to meet department training and qualification standards established by the California P.O.S.T., and department policy in the use of various firearms, arrest control techniques and perishable skills.

Knowledge of:

Practices and methods employed in crime detection and criminal investigations;
Techniques of identifying, preserving and presenting evidence;
Laws and ordinances effective in the County, State and Federal Governments relating to the area of enforcement, arrest and the rules of evidence and court procedures in criminal trials;
Computer software programs commonly used in the District Attorney's Office such as word processing, spreadsheets and commercial databases.

Ability to:

Acquire, retain and apply police knowledge, procedures and department policies;
Express oneself clearly and concisely orally and in writing, and be able to prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
Communicate and effectively interact with a diverse community;
Act calmly and make decisions during emergencies;
Exercise sound judgment, especially under stressful conditions;
Project professional authority;
De-escalate hostile and aggressive behaviors;
Observe accurately.

Must be in good physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. This requirement must be met on an on-going basis.
Must be willing to work unusual hours, possibly over extended periods of time throughout the County and State. Some duties may require out of state travel.
Must be willing to work overtime when assigned which may include nighttime hours and weekends.

County of Santa Clara

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Criminal Investigator II