Complaint Supervisor (Austin Police Oversight)

City of Austin

2d

About The Position

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. This position oversees, plans and directs the daily activities of complaint staff engaged in intake, investigation, and resolution related to complaints under the purview of police oversight. This position requires someone who has demonstrated leadership, objectivity, initiative attributes, who takes initiative and is a diplomatic and effective communicator.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Police department administration and organization.
• Knowledge of oversight practices for a large municipal organization.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of program management techniques.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to handle stressful and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to utilize City-specific technology and general office software.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with employees, elected officials, boards and commissions, community groups and the general public.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to stay current in research legislation in laws and court decisions affecting police oversight.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, present information, proposals, and recommendations clearly and persuasively in public settings.
• Ability to occasionally be on call and immediately available to respond to on-scene sensitive critical incidents or officer-involved shootings.
• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of experience in civil or criminal investigation, two (2) years of which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading and training others.
• Professional investigative experience working for an investigative entity, law enforcement, or related field.
• Considerable knowledge of investigatory methods and techniques.
• Experience working effectively with peer managers, community, and law enforcement personnel.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
• Experience reconciling employee performance with employer policies, and state and federal law.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the receipt and processing of complaints and investigations alleging a broad range of misconduct by sworn police officers.
• Direct the preparation of a variety of complex reports and analyses relating to compliance activities including complaints, and investigations.
• Assess Austin Police Department, including Internal Affairs Division records and ensure confidentiality of records are maintained and secured.
• Consult and confer with Office of Police Oversight (OPO) management regarding prioritization of cases for investigation, facts established in investigations, important issues that may arise in interpreting various laws, and the recommended classification, disposition, and conclusion of complaints.
• Oversees, plans, and directs the daily activities and performance management of the Complaint Specialists and Complaint Investigators.
• Coordinate Complaint Investigator staff training, covering internal affairs processes.
• Represent the OPO in conducting presentations at public meetings and community outreach events.
• Meets with complainants and other involved parties to resolve disputes.
• Train new OPO and Community Police Review Commission personnel and board members; make recommendations regarding training and policy changes.
• Provides guidance based on current Meet and Confer contract in response to inquiries from City Council, City Management, Boards and Commissions, Federal officials, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Monitors staff to ensure compliance with contracts and in accordance with City, State, and/or Federal laws.
• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager