Job Description
Municipal Court of Atlanta
Pretrial Release Officer, Sr
Posting Expires: December 5, 2024
Salary Range: $45,531.20 - $50,356.80/annually
General Description and Classification Standards
The purpose of this position is to organize, plan, and maintain a caseload of clients released through Pretrial Programs. Duties include, but are not limited to: issuing release orders for and tracking cases of defendants who meet stipulations of the pretrial program; reviewing arrest records and prior criminal history reports; conducting interviews with defendants; and assisting with the development of time payment schedules.
This is an experienced, skilled level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the position or specialty with limited guidance or review.
Supervision Received
Works under very general supervision.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.
Reviews and researches criminal records and driver’s history by performing a complete record check on local, state and national levels; reviews court dockets and other materials; and performs other tasks as necessary to evaluate prospective candidates' qualifications for pretrial program, and for the judges' Court arraignments. Prepares defendant criminal histories for bond hearing and general criminal hearings; organizes and manages criminal history information for bond hearing and assists the court as needed.
Conducts investigations to determine potential releases of arrested individuals from the detention center. Reviews tickets and paperwork to find defendants who are eligible for release; reads narratives written by police officers to make sure that they do not contain certain terms (domestic in nature, failing to return to court on past arrest) that may disqualify defendants for release; has direct contact with every defendant in the intake area; talks with defendant directly face-to-face to determine potential to be released.
Interviews and investigates defendants in court and jail to determine eligibility for recognizance; based on the investigations, prepares reports for the court to make informed release or detain the defendant. Confers with judges, attorneys, and others to answer questions, obtain information, or as otherwise necessary to assess eligibility and issue release orders for defendants who meet the stipulations of the pretrial program. Assists pretrial officers in fulfilling daily duties of the courts. Trains and assists pretrial officers with performing records checks, preparation of documents and records, completion of various forms.
Assists in monitoring the defendants released on a pretrial bond, receives status telephone calls from the defendants, notes the information, and/or closes out the case file, and shreds paper documents. Interviews and investigates eligible candidates (based on their citations) for signature and recognizance bonds. Communicates with defendants, family members, and the general public as necessary to explain the judicial process and the rules and regulations of the pretrial program.
Decision Making
Depending on organization structure, may work independently with responsibility for an assigned function or program. Determines whether a defendant is releasable or not.
Leadership Provided
Routinely provides training and/or project leadership to less experienced professionals or support staff. May supervise clerical or support staff.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.
General knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Municipal Court; knowledge of the legal terminology used within the judicial system; knowledge of warrants, criminal records research, and/or interviewing inmates/defendants.
Good computer skills; English/Spanish bilingual communications skills strongly preferred.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations; ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, and other staff members; ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations; mathematical ability to handle required calculations; ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments; ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities; ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department; capable of working under a considerable degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention to detail.
Minimum Qualifications - Education and Experience
High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
1-2 years of related experience is required (or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
Preferred Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, behavioral science, or closely related field (or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience) and 2-4 years' of directly related experience.
Licensures and Certifications
Position would be expected to have licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position.
Required: Valid Georgia driver’s license
Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Certification at the Inquiry Level
Security and Integrity Certification
Essential Capabilities and Work Environment
Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.
Closing Date/Time: 2024-12-06