Criminal Research Specialist | Metropolitan Police Department

Criminal Research Specialist

Job ID: 30404

Location: 441 4th Street, NW

Full/Part Time: Full-Time 

Date Closed: 09/22/2025

Minimum Rate: $74,893.00

Maximum Rate: $96,547.00

General Job Information

This position is located in the Homeland Security Bureau, Real Time Crime Center, Investigative Support Section.

This Criminal Research Specialist position is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.

This incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Research and obtain data and information from automated and manual resources and networked databases in direct support of investigations
• Receives, prioritizes and validates requests for investigative assistance and determines the appropriate procedure and protocols in order to initiate the collection and dissemination of the investigative information in a timely manner and designated format
• Summarizes, disseminates and/or exchanges investigative information to authorized personnel, law enforcement agencies and criminal information networks
• Maintains the proper security and confidentiality of all information created or encountered for the purpose of complying with federal and local laws and regulations concerning access to and dissemination of criminal information
• Communicates with field investigators and criminal intelligence officers via radio or telephone in an office setting to assist in identifying and locating suspects and potential witnesses, obtaining and providing information useful to investigators, such as surveillance data, criminal histories and places of residence and employment, etc., using various restricted access resources
• Assist in the initial investigation and tracking of GPS units that may assist in the identification and location of potential suspects and/or witnesses
• Review and dissemination of information from surveillance video tapes and audio records
• Monitor tip lines, obtain relevant information from outside agencies (OUC, DMV, etc.), conduct appropriate link analysis, reviews social media internet sites for potential investigative material, and review all information and intelligence to determine additional action
• Operates technologically advanced video systems and computer applications, including, but not limited to: CCTV (crime cameras), automated license plate readers (LPR), Shotspotter, JUSTIS, WALES II, NCIC, Columbo, Morpho Face, TLO, Cobalt, etc
• Prepares reports and other documents for detectives and investigators.
• May be required to testify in court.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• The position requires skill in problem solving and identification and resolution of conflicting information. 
• Working knowledge The Jencks Act, Brady Material and related Federal, State (Maryland and Virginia) and local DC laws, rules and regulations that govern evidentiary material. 
• Knowledge of legal terminology and legal forms. 
• Knowledge of Department guidelines, current accepted management theory, techniques, and practices. 
• Knowledge of effective communication skills necessary to convey sensitive and accurate information, build constructive working relationships to develop written reports. 
• Ability to deal with demanding and uncooperative individuals. 
• Skill to conduct research using various law enforcement and networked databases. 
• Knowledge to prepare presentations and to conduct briefings for the Command staff on the results of work efforts. 
• Knowledge to prioritize tasks with competing deadlines. 
• Subject to testify in court.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Bachelor's Degree in a Criminal Justice or a related field is preferred

Work Experience

Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to a least the (CS-09) grade level, or its non-District equivalent, gained from the public or private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position directly related to the position.