Complaint Investigator (Austin Police Oversight)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will be responsible for providing impartial investigations of complaints of alleged police misconduct which are filed with Austin Police Oversight (APO). This position will monitor, review, and conduct administrative investigations of both internal and external complaints filed with APO related to police misconduct. They will develop, plan, organize, and conduct in-depth reviews and analyses of sensitive deadly force incidents, including officer-involved shooting and critical incidents to ensure investigations are handled, appropriately and in compliance with the Austin Police Department (APD) protocols, policies, and procedures. They will formulate objective recommendations based on critical analysis and deliver to both APO and APD leadership. Important attributes include objectivity, attention to details, motivated, dependability, and effective communication. Job Description: Purpose: Under general supervision this position is responsible for providing impartial investigations of complaints of alleged police misconduct which are filed with the Office of Police Oversight. Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Interprets Federal, State, and local laws/ordinances concerning police conduct. Aid complainants filing complaints with the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) and provide referrals to other appropriate oversight departments or agencies as necessary. Monitor, review, and conduct administrative Investigations of both internal and external complaints filed with the OPO related to police misconduct jointly with Austin Police Department (APD) Internal Affairs Division. Develop, plan, organize, and conduct in-depth reviews and analyses of sensitive deadly force incidents, including officer-involved shooting and critical incidents to ensure investigations are handled. appropriately and in compliance with the Austin Police Department protocols, policies, and procedures. Formulate objective recommendations based on critical analysis and deliver to both OPO and APD Leadership. Independently assess APD, including Internal Affairs division records, reports, findings in accordance with established OPO standards and guidelines. Monitors and reviews Internal Affairs investigations of citizen complaints by participating in interviews and reviewing evidence to ensure the investigation is thorough and fair. Prepare and present a variety of complex written reports to City leadership, City Council, Boards and Commissions and Community Police Review Commission. Confers with involved parties to discuss resolution of complaints. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: None.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of conducting an investigation including conducting interviews, research and data investigation, analysis of information, and preparing thorough and objective recommendations.
Knowledge of principles, interpretation, and administration of applicable polices, City Code, State, and Federal regulations and guidelines.
Knowledge of and ability to apply principles and practices of public administration including the maintenance of public records and treatment of confidential information.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in using computers and related software.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to interview effectively and analytically.
Ability to define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound, independent conclusions, and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and policies.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex laws and regulations and evaluate and review complaints.
Ability to maintain accurate records and files.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy in interviewing individuals from diverse backgrounds while remaining calm and impartial during sensitive, confrontational, and stressful situations.
Ability to meet critical deadlines, manage time effectively and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, present information, and recommendations clearly and persuasively in public setting.
Ability to collaborate with communities of color and people traditionally underrepresented in local decision-making; facilitate inclusive participation in programs and activities; communicate cross culturally.
Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with peers.
Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Political Science, or a related field plus two (2) years of professional paid experience in civil or criminal investigation or related field where the responsibility includes evidence gathering, evidence evaluation, and disposition recommendations.
Must complete Department approved Interview and Investigative Administrative training.
Successful candidates must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
Experience in an investigative role investigating civil rights, human rights, or personnel investigations.
Expert analytical and organizational skills for collecting and interpreting evidence.
Strong interview skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Responsibilities

Interprets Federal, State, and local laws/ordinances concerning police conduct.
Aid complainants filing complaints with the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) and provide referrals to other appropriate oversight departments or agencies as necessary.
Monitor, review, and conduct administrative Investigations of both internal and external complaints filed with the OPO related to police misconduct jointly with Austin Police Department (APD) Internal Affairs Division.
Develop, plan, organize, and conduct in-depth reviews and analyses of sensitive deadly force incidents, including officer-involved shooting and critical incidents to ensure investigations are handled appropriately and in compliance with the Austin Police Department protocols, policies, and procedures.
Formulate objective recommendations based on critical analysis and deliver to both OPO and APD Leadership.
Independently assess APD, including Internal Affairs division records, reports, findings in accordance with established OPO standards and guidelines.
Monitors and reviews Internal Affairs investigations of citizen complaints by participating in interviews and reviewing evidence to ensure the investigation is thorough and fair.
Prepare and present a variety of complex written reports to City leadership, City Council, Boards and Commissions and Community Police Review Commission.
Confers with involved parties to discuss resolution of complaints.