Enforcement Counsel - Boston, United States - State of Massachusetts

Description

Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission

Job Posting


Job Title:
Enforcement Counsel


Reports to:
Director of Police Standards


OVERVIEW OF THE AGENCY AND THE POSITION

The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission is an independent agency that oversees law enforcement departments and officers throughout the Commonwealth.

The Commission is charged with the following:

• Establishing certification standards for law enforcement departments and officers;
• Determining whether those standards have been met;
• Developing regulations and policies governing law enforcement;
• Decertifying, suspending, or ordering retraining for officers who commit misconduct or otherwise fail to satisfy requirements;
• Maintaining, analyzing, and disseminating information regarding law enforcement; and
• Conducting investigations, adjudicatory proceedings, and public hearings regarding such matters.

The Commission is governed by, and enforces, Chapter 6E of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Pursuant to that statute, the Commission collaborates with the Commonwealth's Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) in several areas of its work.

The Commission is looking for an experienced attorney to join the growing team of the Division of Police Standards ("Division") as an Enforcement Counsel.

The Division advances the Commission's purpose by diligently investigating allegations of officer misconduct, and advocating for disciplinary outcomes that are fair, consistent, and engender the trust of both the public-at-large and the law enforcement profession.

The Enforcement Counsel plays a leading and critical role in the fulfillment of these objectives.


POSITION FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Enforcement Counsel will supervise all aspects of investigations into allegations of law enforcement officer misconduct.

This work includes, but is not limited to:

developing strategies for investigating complaints submitted by members of the public or law enforcement agencies; drafting written reports summarizing the findings and recommendations of these investigations, and presenting finished investigative reports to the Commission at monthly meetings.

The Enforcement Counsel will also prosecute disciplinary cases in adjudicatory proceedings before the Commission or a hearing officer.

The Enforcement Counsel works under the supervision of the Division Director, and works closely with the Division's Compliance Agents, support staff, and other personnel as part of a team that collectively ensures the fair and consistent application of all relevant laws and policies.

Please note that pursuant to state law, no employee of the Division of Standards shall have previously been employed as a law enforcement officer, previously employed by a law enforcement agency or be a retired law enforcement officer or retired from a law enforcement agency.

This provision does not apply to former federal law enforcement officers or former law enforcement officers from jurisdictions outside of Massachusetts.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage a full caseload of investigations and matters in administrative litigation.
• Direct all aspects of confidential preliminary inquiries for assigned matters, including but not limited to, compelling the production of records and other materials, reviewing investigative and interview reports, examining witnesses under oath, preparing reports that clearly articulate the conclusions and determinations resulting from preliminary inquiries, and delivering oral presentations of investigative findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Represent the Division in adjudicatory hearings before the full Commission, a single Commissioner, or a hearing officer.
• Advocate for disciplinary outcomes that are fair, consistent, and in compliance with applicable laws, standards, regulations, procedures and/or policies.
• Alert the Director of the Division of Police Standards to any allegation which appears to require immediate action by the POST Commission, including, but not limited to, identifying any matter for potential investigation by means of a preliminary inquiry.
• Maintain open communication and work in a collaborative manner with other operational divisions and external agencies as necessary.
• Learn and keep abreast of the statutes and regulations relative to the POST Commission or impacting its operations.
• Produce high quality work in a timely fashion that meets established expectations.
• Perform other duties as requested.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING
Interested individuals should apply for the position through MassCareers.

The application must include a cover letter, a resume, and at least one writing sample reflecting your own substantive legal analysis.

You are strongly encouraged to discuss or demonstrate any experience with the areas listed above in your application.

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, priority consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

If you are interested in multiple positions that have been posted by the Commission, you are encouraged to apply for all such positions.

SALARY RANGE
Commensurate with experience.


COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.

We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Commonwealth Employee Benefits and Rewards


COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
The Commission is committed to building a diverse staff across its entire agency and at all levels. The Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

It is the policy of the Commission and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.

Females, minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and those who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive are strongly encouraged to apply.

NOTICE OF REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK - INCLUDING TAX COMPLIANCE

The POST Commission requires a background check on all prospective employees as a condition of employment.

Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such a background check is not initiated until:

• A candidate is invited to a second or subsequent interview, and
• The candidate has signed the Background Check Authorization Form and related releases.

This background check includes a check of Criminal Offender Record Information, and Massachusetts Department of Revenue tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment.

Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified.

Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted while a full background and qualification check is completed.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Criminal, civil, and/or administrative litigation experience
• Ability to apply the laws and regulations pertaining to the POST Commission to a wide variety of factual situations.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently, productively, and creatively in a start-up environment.
• Appreciation for and commitment to the mission of the POST Commission.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete multiple projects under time constraints and with available resources.
• Commitment to operating under the highest ethical standards.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to producing work at the highest levels of quality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; an appreciation for teamwork and collegiality; and an ability to interact with people at all levels within the Commission, stakeholders, outside counsel, outside vendors, and members of the public.
• Appreciation of the value of diversity and inclusion, and the importance of interacting respectfully and sensitively with people of different backgrounds.
• Proficiency with computers and the MS Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and willingness to learn state- and Commission-specific systems.
• Experience conducting investigations and in making recommendations that will have significant impacts on the parties involved and that may garner significant public and media attention.
• Knowledge of modern investigative techniques and legal processes.
• Experience with adjudicatory proceedings (M.G.L. c. 30A, § 10, 11) is a plus.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Juris Doctor Degree Required
• Admission to Massachusetts Bar
• Minimum 5 years' experience in civil or criminal litigation, administrative law, regulatory matters, or a related field.