Pretrial Interviewer
$17.03/hr
Entry
Bartow, FL, USA
In Person
Clerical & Data EntryOffice Clerical & Records
About the job
Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
- Must be able to use all features of word-processing, spreadsheet, and data-management software.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment.
- A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
- Must maintain regular attendance, punctuality, and integrity.
- Must have daily transportation and a telephone because the employee is subject to call.
- Must be fingerprinted and undergo personal background investigations to evaluate and determine moral character.
- Must successfully clear pre-employment psychological evaluations.
- Must undergo Level 2 Florida Department of Law Enforcement screening electronically before commencing work and maintain this certification as a condition of employment.
- Must report for work when an emergency is declared in Polk County.
- Must have knowledge of the Pretrial Services organization and court-system functions, court procedures, and operations.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft 365 and other applications.
- Must have working knowledge of investigative procedures and laws related to the receipt, maintenance, and distribution of confidential court records.
- Must know penal code regulations and jail procedures.
- Must be able to become familiar with criminal justice agencies and applicable community resources.
- Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with court personnel, law enforcement officials, and other public personnel.
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team to accomplish work tasks in a timely manner.
- Must be able to troubleshoot and provide solutions as needed.
- Must communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Must have observation and organization skills.
- Must maintain a high rate of productivity in a pressurized, fast-paced environment.
- Must work effectively with community partners, including the Office of the State Attorney, Office of the Public Defender, Polk County Sheriff's Office, and community supervision agencies.
Responsibilities
- Interview defendants booked into the Polk County Jail during the pretrial phase of their criminal court actions, people with military or parole commission holds, and sentenced prisoners transferred from a correctional facility under an order to secure them to the Polk County Jail.
- Obtain defendants' demographic and background information, including legal names and aliases, Social Security numbers, addresses and residence history and stability, age and date of birth, sex, race, current charges, arrest dates and out-of-county arrest history, employment and employment stability, education, community ties, marital and family status and stability, financial status and property ownership, military service, local, state, and national criminal history as available, physical and mental health status, alcohol and drug use or treatment involvement, and references.
- Verify information obtained from defendants using multiple applications, including the Criminal Justice Information Services system and National Crime Information Center/Florida Crime Information Center databases, or other approved investigative methods.
- Review defendants' pretrial release status during interviews and report prior open cases to the court through the First Appearance packet.
- Prepare and complete applicable and required forms, reports, and memorandums.
- Perform related duties as required by the Supervisor or Director.
- Interview defendants to collect demographic information for inclusion in First Appearance interview documentation packages.
- Organize and prepare First Appearance interview documentation packages and other applicable documents for First Appearance hearings.
- Communicate with agencies and their personnel to produce accurate and comprehensive report packages illustrating defendants' prior criminal history and summarizing demographic information collected during Pretrial Services interviews.
- Perform all essential job duties identified and required by the Court Services Division.
About the company
Polk County is governed by the Board of County Commissioners elected by residents, and they adopt the annual budget that funds public safety, infrastructure, health and welfare programs, libraries, parks, housing, waste and water services, and transportation. The Commission sets policies, enforces zoning and building codes, and oversees development plans and public works such as roads and fire protection. It coordinates a wide range of services under one local government to meet residents’ needs. Goal: maintain essential public services and infrastructure to support safe, healthy, and thriving communities in Polk County.
Company Size
N/A
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$10K
Headquarters
Winter Haven, Florida
Founded
N/A
Get referred to Polk County
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- County leaders approved 54 new positions and 2% raises for FY 2026-2027.
- Polk County's population topped 725,000, sustaining demand for housing, roads, and services.
- West Polk Wellfield construction started in 2026, expanding future water supply capacity.
What critics are saying
- Florida's 2026 homestead exemption vote threatens up to $100 million in 2027-2029 revenues.
- Water scarcity constrains growth; officials call water Polk County's biggest long-term bottleneck.
- Fort Meade's 1.2-gigawatt data-center fight faces lawsuits, recalls, and SWFWMD permitting delays.
What makes Polk County unique
- Polk County built a $3.91 billion FY 2026-2027 budget around public safety and retention.
- Polk County Fire Rescue received a $16 million SAFER grant for 50 firefighter positions.
- Polk County manages 2,750 roadway miles while building nine new fire stations.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Professional Development Budget
- Wellness Program
- Mental Health Support
- Deferred Compensation Plan