Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Provide a wide range of legal advice and services on criminal and civil law to the Grand Junction Police and Fire Departments and provide assistance to the Police and Fire Chiefs and Department personnel on complex matters; advise the Departments regarding policy violations and discipline matters; provide litigation support; assist with accreditation compliance; update policies and procedures in light of new legislation and court cases; prepare training materials for police and fire personnel related to legislative changes and relevant court cases; and otherwise support the City Attorney’s Office in its representation of the City and the Fire and Police Departments.
SUPERVISION AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The position reports to the City Attorney; however, day to day projects will be assigned through the Police Chief, and Fire Chief. The City Attorney, Police Chief and Fire Chief will coordinate work flow and cooperate regarding the performance of the work. Work will be principally accomplished from an office in the Police Department.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to this position. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Confer with and render legal advice to the Police and Fire Department staff about departmental policies and procedures; advise on interpretation and application of laws, court decisions, ordinances, policies and other legal sources; update and provide training to staff on changing legal requirements; recommend revisions to policies and procedures in order to meet legal requirements.
2. Review claims and complaints against the Police and/or Fire Departments; supervise and participate in the preparation of administrative hearings and other civil proceedings; and as directed by the City Attorney represent the Departments in such proceedings.
3. Assist with training Police and Fire Department staff regarding legal issues affecting law enforcement and fire/emergency medical response services; review and draft proposed municipal ordinances involving the Police and Fire Departments; review requests for release of information under Open Records Act and/or for discovery and assist in the identification and collection of the requested information.
4. Assist in preparation for defense of civil suits as directed and supervised by the City Attorney in consultation with the Police and Fire Chiefs as applicable.
5. Attend departmental meetings and participate in command staff reviews of internal affairs investigations to advise on legal matters.
6. Perform related duties as required to meet the needs of the City.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Legal principles and practices in civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law and procedures.
Principles, materials and methods of legal research and investigation.
Legal precedents and court decisions impacting municipal government, police, fire and emergency medical services.
Statutes, codes and regulations applicable to municipal government activities, civil and criminal proceedings.
Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Statutes and court decisions relating to civil rights and employment law.
Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
Ability to:
Represent the City in judicial and administrative proceedings
Effectively prepare and prosecute civil and administrative cases.
Coordinate and assist in civil litigation matters.
Analyze a wide variety of legal issues.
Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Negotiate.
Perform legal work requiring the use of judgment and initiative.
Review and prepare a wide variety of legal documents.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work flexible hours.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Three years of increasingly responsible experience as a police legal advisor, prosecutor, or municipal attorney.
Training:
A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
License or Certificate:
Admission to and in good standing with the Colorado Bar.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment in the Police Department.
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for prolonged periods. The employee is regularly required to see, hear, talk, stand, twist and use repetitive motions in the conduct of work. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.