Office of the Public Defender

Investigations

The NJOPD Investigation Team is a critical part of delivering holistic, high-quality defense across all units of the agency. Our investigators bring a diverse range of skills—from fieldwork and videography to Spanish-language interpretation—that help ensure every person’s story is heard, documented, and understood.

Our team is dedicated to uncovering the facts and providing essential support to attorneys and individuals at every stage of the legal process. Their work often makes the difference between a partial defense and a truly comprehensive one.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Locating and interviewing witnesses
  • Serving subpoenas
  • Conducting field investigations, including photographing crime scenes and examining evidence
  • Researching and gathering records, documents, and other critical information
  • Drafting detailed reports for legal teams
  • Attending court proceedings and participating in ongoing training
  • Interviewing individuals, including children, caregivers, and professionals involved in child welfare cases
  • Performing home evaluations and assessments
  • Conducting Spanish-language interviews and interpretation
  • Assisting with social service referrals and client support
  • Collecting and reviewing digital discovery (e.g., surveillance footage, phone data)
  • Creating mitigation videos and preparing written mitigation materials
  • Gathering and interpreting clinical and mental health documentation
  • Supporting individuals facing immigration-related challenges and collaborating with NJOPD's immigration team