Investigator - Office of the Commission on Police Practices - (Unclassified) - National City, United States - City of San Diego

Description

The Office of Commission on Police Practices (OCPP) is seeking two full-time confidential Investigators.

Under the direction of the Commission, Executive Director, and Chief Investigator, the Investigator will conduct sensitive independent investigations of police-involved shootings, deaths in custody, deaths resulting from interaction with a police officer, and other significant incidents, which may include but are not limited to serious force incidents resulting in great bodily injury, dishonesty by a police officer, high profile matters that gained significant public interest, inappropriate sexual conduct, physical assault, or domestic violence by a police officer in a thorough and unbiased manner.

The Investigator will be responsible for interviewing complainants, impacted parties, witnesses, members of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), and others in connection with the investigation, respond to incident scenes and conduct canvasses, obtain, and analyze evidence and assure its safe custody, as well as maintain a level of confidentiality in their work and case files.

The Investigator will also be responsible for thoroughly and accurately documenting their investigative actions, summarizing evidence, conducting legal research, preparing clear and concise reports that summarize relevant facts, policies, and laws, and providing a thorough analysis of allegations and incidents making disposition recommendations relying on the preponderance of the evidence.

The Investigator will present the reports to the Chief Investigator, Executive Director, Legal Counsel, and the Commission.

When required, the Investigator will support the Commission with reviewing SDPD Internal Affairs investigations by coordinating and participating in case review groups with Commissioners, reviewing cases, drafting case review reports, and presenting them during Commission meetings.

The position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (at the discretion of the department and in accordance with the City Telework Program).

This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.


The Department:

In November 2020, City voters approved Measure B creating a new independent Commission on Police Practices (Commission) to replace the Community Review Board on Police Practices.

The Commission is an investigatory body of the City, independent from the Mayor and the SDPD, and has its duties and powers set forth in Article V, Section 41.2.

of the City Charter. In April 2021, the City Council authorized the establishment of the OCPP as a City department. The OCPP is a City department that provides staff to support the work of the Commission on Police Practices.

The purpose of the Commission is to provide an independent investigation of officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths and deaths resulting from interaction with a police officer, and other significant incidents, as well as to provide an unbiased evaluation of complaints against the SDPD and its personnel in a process that is transparent and accountable to the community.

The Commission may also evaluate and review SDPD policies, practices, training, and protocols, and represent the community in making recommendations for changes.

The mission of the Commission is to hold law enforcement accountable to the community and to increase community trust in law enforcement, resulting in increased safety for both the community and law enforcement.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Conduct thorough investigations of police-involved shootings, deaths in custody, deaths resulting from interaction with a police officer, and other significant incidents, which may include but are not limited to serious force incidents resulting in a great bodily injury, dishonesty by a police officer, high profile matters that gained significant public interest, inappropriate sexual conduct, physical assault, or domestic violence by a police officer.

Efficiently manages case load and different competing priorities.

Conduct thorough interviews with parties involve in the investigation, which include but is not limited to complainants, impacted parties, witnesses, subject and witness officers, and individuals possessing information relevant to the investigation.

Communicate with members of the SDPD, San Diego County Sheriff, Department of Justice and other government employees and officials.

Request and obtain confidential and sensitive documentary evidence for cases, including but not limited to police documentation, body-worn camera footage, cell phone/surveillance footage, medical records, and other.

Respond to scenes of officer-involved shootings and deaths in custody or deaths resulting from interaction with police officers.
Visit incident locations to canvas for surveillance footage or witnesses.
Maintain information and documentation in department database(s) and accurately documents investigative steps.
Consults and collaborates with Legal Counsel to identify, assess, and address legal issues.
Carefully review, analyze, and summarize all collected evidence.
Draft accurate and detailed summaries of interviews, audio/video evidence, and other evidence.

Draft clear and concise closing reports that summarize relevant facts, policies, and laws, and provides a thorough analysis of allegations and incidents making disposition recommendations relying on the preponderance of the evidence.

Identify potential patterns for further inquiries.
Present case reports to the Chief Investigator, Executive Director, Legal Counsel, and the Commission.

When required, support the Commission with reviewing SDPD Internal Affairs investigations by coordinating and participating in case review groups with Commissioners, reviewing cases, drafting case review reports, and presenting them during Commission meetings.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, criminal justice, law enforcement, administration of justice, political science, behavioral science, or a related field,

and

Three (3) years of professional full-time paid experience conducting civil, criminal, or factual investigations that involve gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence, conducting interviews with friendly and adverse witnesses, documenting information in written form, and making a disposition recommendation.

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates these qualifications may be qualifying.

Other Requirements/Qualifications:

Must possess and maintain a California State driver's license, current auto insurance and demonstrate ability to travel to various locations on time.

Must be able to work flexible hours if necessary, including nights and weekends.
Must be able to respond to critical incidents and various investigative occurrences that arise during non-business hours.
Oral and written bi-lingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin are desirable.
Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Ability to conduct investigations of a highly confidential and sensitive nature.
Knowledge of investigative principles and practices.
Knowledge of criminal justice procedures, laws of arrest and search and seizure, legal rights of community members, police practices, and Peace Officer Bill of Rights
Ability to plan investigations, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet required deadlines.
Ability to conduct investigations in an objective and independent manner and to adhere to high standards of ethical conduct.
Ability to evaluate evidence and make findings without bias or concern for personal interest.
Ability to efficiently exercise judgment in handling questions and releasing information.

Ability to conduct detailed factual interviews with complainants, impacted parties, and witnesses, police officers, City employees, and experts such as medical practitioners, first responders, and others.

Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and courteously with individuals from a wide variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, develop sensitivity to a variety of communication styles, and elicit information from friendly, neutral, or reluctant individuals.

Knowledge of trauma informed interview techniques and concepts.
Familiarity with and ability to maintain operational knowledge of relevant police records and documentation.
Ability to conduct public records searches utilizing specialized databases and conduct legal research.
Ability to follow proper protocols regarding responding to incident scenes and canvassing.
Ability to analyze and interpret relevant police procedures, local, state, and federal laws, and cases.

Ability to accurately and thoroughly document investigative steps and maintain complete and accurate case files in a secure and confidential manner.

Excellent writing skills and ability to write clear, concise, well-organized, and thorough investigative reports and summaries.
Knowledge of basic word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications.
Ability to analyze and summarize large volumes of information in a coherent manner.
Ability to follow-up on inconsistencies, reason logically, and apply rules to facts.

Ability to present reports to the Chief Investigator, Executive Director, Legal Counsel, and the Commission relying on excellent public speaking skills.

Ability to work independently while recognizing the need to escalate issues to supervision.
Ability to maintain positive working relationship with supervision, colleagues, Commissioners, City, and other government agencies employees.

Benefits:
The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:
Defined retirement plan , including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee's eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver.
11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.

Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee's first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.

Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.
Reduced-rate fitness center memberships.
City-paid life insurance.
For additional details, please review the

Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees

(Download PDF reader)

or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at


The City:

With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California.

The City of San Diego's strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play.

With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City's Mission, as stated in the

Strategic Plan

is "Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City." The City's Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".

As one of the region's largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 12,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2024 operating and capital budget of approximately $5 billion.

Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the

City's website .


Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:
Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the

City's pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage

for additional information.

Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.

Application Instructions :

Kindly adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below, we regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.

Selection/Application Process:
To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at:

1)

Resume;
2)

Letter of Interest, highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position; and
3)

List of three professional references.


NOTE(S):
Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.
Reference Recruitment Number

I2333

in the Subject Line.
Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.
This bulletin may be used to fill more than one vacancy.

Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.

If you have any questions, please email the City's Human Resources Department at

.

The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.

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