Investigator - Unclassified

City of Cincinnati•Ohio 45202, OH

About The Position

The Investigator works independently and with the CCA Executive Director, CCA Board, citizens, the Police Department, and other stakeholders to investigate citizen complaints against Cincinnati Police Department employees. These complaints may allege excessive force, improper pointing of firearms, unreasonable searches and seizures, or discrimination. The Investigator also investigates shots-fired incidents and deaths in custody involving department employees and prepares comprehensive, objective reports with findings and recommendations for corrective action. The position requires gathering and reviewing documentation and evidence, interviewing complainants, witnesses, and investigative targets, conducting legal research, and coordinating with other investigative or regulatory agencies and subject matter experts as needed. The Investigator communicates with complainants about actions taken, maintains confidentiality, audits certain internal Police Department investigative reports, and is on call 24 hours a day for officer-involved shooting incidents. The role involves professional interaction with stakeholders who may have conflicting interests and requires independent, fact-based decisions.

Requirements

Prior professional experience in investigations.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice or a related field.
Must not be a former or current member of the Cincinnati Police Department.
Must be fair and impartial and maintain a high degree of trust, confidence, reliability, and integrity.
Must be willing to make independent, fact-based decisions without influence from outside pressures.
Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver's license.
Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Must be able to analyze complex and voluminous legal information and conduct thorough investigations in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Must be able to write thorough analytical investigative reports and audit reports written by others.
Must be able to interview complainants, witnesses, and investigative targets and establish effective working relationships.
Must be able to understand and conform to the requirements of the Department of Justice Memorandum of Agreement and the Collaborative Agreement.
Must be able to operate a computer, word-processing equipment, calculator, other office equipment, and an assigned vehicle; must have access to a personal vehicle to respond to emergencies.
Resume and transcript must be attached to the application or the application will be rejected.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree.
Outside professional training in conducting law enforcement investigations, analytical report writing, and data analysis.
Former police or other law enforcement experience from outside the City of Cincinnati.
Military education and experience may be considered for substitution for college-level coursework or apprenticeship training on a case-by-case basis, using American Council on Education Military Guide recommendations.

Responsibilities

Review and investigate complaints against Cincinnati Police Department employees in accordance with the collaborative agreement.
Investigate allegations involving excessive force, improper pointing of firearms, unreasonable searches and seizures, and discrimination.
Investigate fatal and non-fatal incidents involving gunshots fired by Cincinnati Police Officers, including deaths in custody involving department employees.
Gather relevant documentation and evidence, including photographic evidence, and inspect areas where shootings occurred.
Interview complainants, investigative targets, witnesses, and involved Police Officers.
Work with other investigative and regulatory agencies and consult subject matter experts when needed.
Conduct legal research to identify applicable constitutional, statutory, and case law.
Prepare analytical reports evaluating evidence, findings, conclusions, and recommendations using objective criteria.
Prepare typed responses to complainants about actions taken and, when appropriate, explain other avenues for pursuing complaints.
Audit Police Department internal investigative reports generated by CCA referrals.
Maintain confidentiality throughout investigations and interact professionally with stakeholders.
Serve on call 24 hours a day for officer-involved shooting situations.
Assist people contacted in the course of duty and perform related duties as assigned.