Job Description: Prison Investigations Deputy

Division: Corrections / Criminal Investigations Unit: Prison Investigations Unit Reports To: Prison Investigations Supervisor / Criminal Investigations Command FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Law Enforcement) Prepared By: Human Resources Division

Position Summary

The Prison Investigations Deputy is responsible for conducting criminal investigations originating within the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office Jail System and associated court facilities. This role ensures the safety, security, and integrity of correctional operations by investigating criminal activity involving inmates, staff, and visitors.

The position requires independent investigative judgment, adherence to legal standards, and close coordination with internal divisions and external prosecutorial agencies.

Scope of Responsibility

The Prison Investigations Unit handles all criminal and administrative investigations occurring within EBRSO detention and court environments, including but not limited to:

• Homicide and suspicious deaths in custody
• Aggravated assaults and battery incidents
• Sexual assaults and PREA-related investigations
• Escape and attempted escape cases
• Introduction and distribution of contraband
• Destruction of jail property and institutional disturbances
• Staff misconduct investigations (as assigned)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Investigative Functions

• Conduct thorough and objective criminal investigations within correctional facilities
• Interview victims, witnesses, suspects, and staff while maintaining evidentiary integrity
• Identify, develop, and pursue investigative leads
• Coordinate investigative activities with patrol, corrections staff, and specialized units
• Respond to major incidents within the jail or court facilities

Evidence Management

• Secure, collect, and preserve physical and digital evidence in accordance with chain-of-custody standards
• Document crime scenes through notes, photography, and diagrams
• Coordinate with forensic units and external laboratories as necessary

Case Development

• Prepare detailed investigative reports, affidavits, and case files
• Present cases to the District Attorney's Office for prosecution
• Ensure all investigative actions meet constitutional and statutory requirements

Court and Legal Responsibilities

• Testify in Grand Jury proceedings, District Court, and other judicial forums
• Assist prosecutors with case preparation and trial strategy
• Attend autopsies and provide investigative input when applicable

Operational Leadership

• Direct and coordinate investigative personnel at complex or high-risk scenes
• Serve as a subject matter expert on correctional investigations
• Provide guidance to Corrections staff regarding investigative procedures and evidence handling

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintain accurate case files, logs, and statistical reporting
• Ensure timely completion of all required reports and documentation
• Participate in audits, reviews, and compliance reporting as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years continuous service in Criminal Operations
• Minimum of eighteen (18) months in Uniform Patrol
• Prior investigative experience preferred but not required
• Louisiana P.O.S.T. Certification (Peace Officer Standards and Training)
• Valid Louisiana driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Corrections or Detention Operations
• Specialized training in:
• Criminal Investigations
• Interview and Interrogation Techniques
• Crime Scene Processing
• PREA Investigations
• Demonstrated experience handling complex or high-liability cases

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of criminal law, constitutional law, and rules of evidence
• Ability to conduct structured and legally sound interviews and interrogations
• High level of written and verbal communication proficiency
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple cases and prioritize effectively
• Sound judgment under pressure in secure and high-risk environments
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

Performance Standards

Performance in this role will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and completeness of investigative casework
• Timeliness of reports and case submissions
• Courtroom effectiveness and testimony credibility
• Adherence to policy, legal standards, and investigative protocols
• Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Contribution to safety and risk reduction within correctional facilities

Disqualifiers / Eligibility Standards

• No disciplinary suspensions within the past six (6) months
• Any prior disciplinary or corrective actions will be reviewed by the selection committee
• Demonstrated history of integrity, professionalism, and adherence to EBRSO standards

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods
• Ability to respond to emergency situations requiring physical intervention
• Ability to operate standard law enforcement equipment

Additional Expectations

• Maintain all required certifications and training
• Participate in ongoing professional development
• Uphold the mission, values, and standards of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office

Employees under consideration must have met or exceeded the requirements needed to satisfy the directives listed in the job announcement.  Employees also must have met or exceeded the requirements listed as potential qualifiers for the position.  Employees must understand that a request for transfer will not guarantee the transfer, it is merely an "ask for consideration".