Investigator (Assigned as Court/Witness Liaison Officer) – (GMG/SEG2) - Headquarters

Summary

Reporting to the Commissioner, the incumbent is responsible for the management of all the Commission’s criminal cases in the Courts; managing stakeholder relationships; updating on investigations; ensuring legal compliance and addressing witness welfare matters. This includes developing, implementing, presenting and maintaining a database on witnesses expected to give evidence at trials. He/she reports on orders and requests made by judges/prosecutors and liaises with internal and external stakeholders as it relates to witness welfare. This position assists investigations by acting as a two-way information conduit between the Commission and the courts in accordance with the Commission’s policies and procedures and within applicable laws and legal practices. 💰 Remuneration: $4,266,270 – $5,737,658 JMD per annum plus applicable allowances.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Witness Liaison:

  • • Acts as a point of contact for witnesses, providing support and assessment of their needs.
  • • Develops and maintains a Witness Management programme to ensure that contact with all witnesses is maintained and they are provided with updates on the progress of cases and their concerns addressed;
  • • Co-ordinates witness services, including arranging transportation, accommodation and other logistical support, where necessary. This may also include providing court accompaniment and ensuring that witnesses are aware of their court obligations;
  • • Assesses witnesses to determine their suitability and/or readiness for court appearances and plans and executes witness familiarization exercises. This includes helping witnesses to prepare for their testimony, by explaining what to expect during questioning and cross-examination, understanding court room etiquette and legal terms;
  • • Facilitates communication between witnesses, law enforcement, court personnel and related agencies, such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), investigative team and the Commission’s Legal Department;
  • • Monitors the progress and well-being of witnesses throughout their involvement in the justice system and after, where necessary;
  • • Provides support and reassurance to witnesses to ensure comfort with the legal process. This includes assisting with court preparations, explaining procedures and answering questions to develop the confidence of witnesses;
  • • Maintains accurate records of witness information and all other relevant documentation through frequent update of the Commission’s case management system;
  • • Assists with the development of a strategic plan for the portfolio, including the management of activities and communication between witnesses, the Courts, law enforcement and the Commission;
  • • Conducts witness welfare needs assessment and recommends measures to address needs so identified. Based on results of assessments, liaises with external agencies to address welfare requirements;
  • • Compiles and analyses data for generation of monthly reports related to court activities, issues regarding witnesses, case outcomes and resource utilization;
  • • Ensures confidentiality and compliance with data protection laws, when handling sensitive information;
  • • Responds promptly to any crises or emergencies involving witnesses and provides assistance and co-ordinates appropriate support as needed;
  • • Collates feedback from witnesses about their experiences with the Commission and the legal system, to identify areas for improvement and enhance the quality of witness, support services;
  • • Raises awareness about the importance of witness support and the services available to witnesses, in collaboration with the investigative teams and Public Relations Department.

• Court Liaison:

  • • Provides support and reassurance to witnesses to ensure comfort with the legal process. This includes assisting with court preparations, explaining procedures and answering questions to develop the confidence of witnesses;
  • • Reports, on orders and requests made by the Court or prosecuting counsel and retrieves subpoenas, summonses and all written communication for transfer to investigators and, where necessary, effect service of documents in a timely and efficient manner;
  • • Acts as a conduit between the Courts, law enforcement agencies and related agencies, such as ODPP, investigative team and the Commission’s Legal Department, to maintain a line for effective and clear communication;
  • • Establishes and maintains a diary of court dates and updates, ensuring that all parties involved are provided with sufficient documentation for effective preparation and are fully apprised of dates for appearances.

• Other:

  • • Conducts training sessions and sensitizations, where required, for investigators to ensure their understanding of legal processes and encourage greater compliance with court procedures;
  • • Monitors compliance with court orders;
  • • Develops and reviews, in conjunction with the General Counsel, his/her respective Individual Development Plan (IDP) following the performance review, as per the Performance Management System;
  • • Performs other duties, from time to time, which are not specifically outlined within the job description, but within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position.

Required Skills

• • Excellent planning and organisational skills;
• • Good interpersonal skills;
• • Excellent analytical, judgment and problem-solving skills;
• • Excellent negotiation, diplomacy and collaborative skills;
• • Be responsive to changing requirements and priorities and be able to adapt to unpredictable circumstances;
• • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with witnesses, colleagues, stakeholders and external agencies, using active listening, empathy, clear written and verbal communication;
• • Good customer service skills and the ability to communicate with persons from varying social backgrounds;
• • Shares the Commission’s values, mission and vision;
• • Consistently displays integrity, model behaviour, develops people and builds teams;
• • Ability to work independently and with a strong sense of focus;
• • Task-oriented, non-judgmental, openminded, and experienced in setting clear boundaries;
• • A strong sense of and respect for confidentiality involving both clients and coworkers;
• • Ability to work in various settings with culturally diverse families and communities in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner;
• • The ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams;
• • The ability to recognise welfare needs and risks to the person and /or organization.

• Specific Knowledge:

  • • Knowledge of the Independent Commission of Investigations Act (INDECOM) Act and any other such Acts or Legislation governing the operation of INDECOM.
  • • Knowledge of applicable criminal laws, criminal procedure and relevant constitutional and statutory laws;
  • • Comprehensive knowledge of court procedures;
  • • Excellent skills in Case Management;
  • • Knowledge of community resources and counselling/social work practices;
  • • Working knowledge of principles of risk assessment and witness welfare;
  • • Knowledge of Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution; and,
  • • Working knowledge of relevant computer systems.

Qualifications

• • Undergraduate Degree in Law, Guidance and Counselling or Social Sciences with an emphasis on Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work or any other related discipline
• • Minimum of three (3) years’ working experience in the Court or criminal justice system, investigative field or as a Social Worker;
• • Certification in Investigations from an accredited institution and experience working with persons in crisis, are assets.

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Condition Associated with Job:

  • • Irregular and unscheduled working hours
  • • Agreeable office environment
  • • Extensive travel required (50 – 70%)
  • • Work is emotionally demanding
  • • May be required to work weekends and holidays

Applications, accompanied by résumés, should be submitted no later than Thursday, 17th July, 2025, to: ✉️ hrd@indecom.gov.jm ℹ️ N.B. Please include the job title in the subject line of your email. Thank you for your interest; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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