Walton County Sheriff's Office - Investigative Specialist

Position Summary 

The Investigative Specialist supports law enforcement operations by conducting research, analyzing evidence, and assisting with supplemental investigations in collaboration with Patrol and the Criminal Investigations Bureau. This position performs a variety of investigative and clerical tasks, including preparing reports, aiding in case documentation, and assisting in case presentation to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information. The role requires strong attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to work effectively with sworn personnel and other staff.

Assigned to the Sexual Offender Predator Unit, the Investigative Specialist also serves as a Registration Specialist. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for registering and re-registering sexual offenders and predators in accordance with statutory requirements. The position further supports the unit by performing analytical work related to investigations involving potential sexual offender or predator violations, contributing to case development and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and procedures.

Qualifications

• Level I:
  • Education – High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience – Two (2) years’ experience in a related field
    • Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies to perform the job.
  • Experience using PowerPoint, Word, Excel
  • Familiarity with law enforcement reporting process or records management systems
  • Valid Driver License
  • Preferred - Past experience in analytical or investigative position is preferred
• Level II:
  • Education – Associate degree in a related field
  • Experience – Three (3) years’ experience in a related field
    • Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies to perform the job.
  • Experience using PowerPoint, Word, Excel
  •  Familiarity with law enforcement reporting process or records management systems
  • Valid Driver License
  • Preferred - Past experience in analytical or investigative position is preferred

Essential Job Functions 

• This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.
• Assist deputies and investigators in gathering information and intelligence on active cases.
• Conduct initial and follow-up investigations as assigned, including research, interviews, and evidence review.
• Respond to departmental telephone inquiries, providing accurate information or directing calls to appropriate personnel.
• Conduct research related to calls for service and criminal cases, including reviewing FCIC/NCIC histories, driver’s license records, photographs, database searches, and arrest records.
• Prepare clear and accurate supplemental written reports documenting investigative activities and findings.
• Support sworn personnel in responding to crime patterns, offender trends, and ongoing investigations.
• Search internet resources, databases, and open-source platforms for investigative information relevant to assignments.
• Document, analyze, and interpret information received from citizens, offenders, and law enforcement personnel; enter data into agency systems and identify connections or links to other cases.
• Assist in case preparation, organization, and presentation for investigative or prosecution purposes.
• Maintain confidential and sensitive information in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and statutory requirements.
• Register and re-register sexual offenders and predators in compliance with state mandates and agency protocols.
• Assist in analytical work supporting investigations into potential sexual offender and predator violations, including monitoring compliance, identifying discrepancies, and supporting follow-up actions.
• Verify offender residency, employment, and compliance information through in-person contacts, correspondence, or field coordination with sworn personnel.
• Schedule, track, and document required registration appointments and deadlines to ensure statutory compliance.
• Maintain and update offender files, ensuring accuracy across agency systems and state or federal databases.
• Monitor offender compliance alerts or notifications and route non-compliance concerns to investigators for follow-up.
• Assist in coordinating with outside agencies, including probation/parole, FDLE, and other jurisdictions, regarding offender movements, transfers, or compliance issues.
• Participate in unit audits or compliance reviews to ensure accuracy of registration records and adherence to legal requirements.
• Provide customer service to offenders, victims, and the public by explaining registration processes, statutory requirements, and agency procedures.
• Maintain familiarity with state statutes and agency procedures governing sexual offender and predator registration; apply updates in daily work.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills 

• Strong investigative and analytical skills, including the ability to gather, evaluate, and interpret information from multiple sources.
• Proficiency in conducting research using law enforcement databases, including FCIC/NCIC, driver’s license systems, criminal history records, and open-source platforms.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive written reports and documentation.
• Effective verbal communication skills for interacting with citizens, offenders, sworn personnel, and external agencies.
• Strong customer service skills, including the ability to explain procedures and statutory requirements professionally and respectfully.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information in accordance with policy and legal standards.
• Detail-oriented record-keeping skills, including maintaining accurate files and ensuring data consistency across systems.
• Ability to identify patterns, trends, and potential violations through data review and analysis.
• Competence in scheduling, tracking deadlines, and managing time-sensitive compliance requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with sworn staff, investigators, and external partners such as probation/parole and FDLE.
• Proficiency in using computer systems, law enforcement software, and case-management tools.
• Ability to conduct interviews, verify information, and obtain details relevant to investigations.
• Skill in organizing case materials and assisting with case preparation and presentation.
• Ability to interpret and apply state statutes, agency policies, and legal requirements related to sexual offender and predator registration.
• Problem-solving skills, including evaluating discrepancies and identifying appropriate follow-up actions.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and manage assignments with minimal supervision.

Key Competencies 

• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in documentation, data entry, offender records, and investigative analysis.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluates information, identifies patterns or discrepancies, and supports investigative decision-making.
• Confidentiality & Integrity: Handles sensitive information in compliance with policy, law, and ethical standards.
• Communication Skills: Clearly conveys information verbally and in writing to sworn personnel, offenders, citizens, and partner agencies.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Assesses situations, interprets information, and determines appropriate follow-up actions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with deputies, investigators, administrative staff, and external partners.
• Time Management & Organization: Prioritizes multiple tasks, meets statutory deadlines, and maintains structured case files and registration records.
• Customer Service Orientation: Provides respectful and professional assistance to offenders, victims, and the public.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities, new information, and evolving investigative needs.
• Technical Proficiency: Uses law enforcement databases, case management systems, and computer applications efficiently.
• Legal and Policy Awareness: Understands and applies relevant statutes, regulations, and agency procedures related to sexual offender and predator registration.
• Decision-Making: Makes sound judgments based on available information and established protocols.

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing clerical, investigative, or data-entry tasks.
• Ability to walk short distances and move between work areas within the office or agency facilities.
• Ability to lift, carry, or move files, documents, and equipment typically weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to type, write, and enter data for long periods with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Adequate vision (with or without corrective lenses) to read printed materials, computer screens, photographs, and identification documents.
• Adequate hearing (with or without assistive devices) to communicate in person and by telephone and to receive information accurately.
• Ability to occasionally travel to other agency locations or field sites as necessary to support investigations or registration activities.
• Ability to remain focused, organized, and responsive in a fast-paced or occasionally high-stress environment.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.