Office of Professional Standards (OPS) Senior Investigator

Senior Investigator
Office of Professional Standards

Examples of Duties
Under administrative supervision and direction in the Office of Professional Standards, supervises the work of assigned staff and performs difficult and complex professional-level investigative work in connection with complaints brought against officers and employees of the Cleveland Division of Police, including Use of Deadly Force incidents, in-custody injuries, and deaths. Supervises directs and monitors the work of assigned staff, evaluates performances, counsels employees, and completes performance appraisals. Makes recommendations on personnel issues and disciplinary concerns regarding investigators. Provides training for investigative staff and aids in their professional development. Explains existing policies and procedures as well as produces written memos and instructions. Reviews and assigns cases to investigative staff. Monitors progress of investigations. Evaluates tentative findings to ensure completeness and accuracy. Implements and monitors case management policies. Maintains case management records. Provides case management reports as required. Supervises the implementation and administration of a management information system to track and report information (e.g.: police activities; patterns of citizen complaints; issues relating to the implementation and administration of the early warning system). Receives complaints. Answers questions and provides information on the functions and procedures of the Office of Professional Standards for complainants, police officers, other witnesses, members of the public and others. Performs investigations of difficult, controversial and/or sensitive complaints as assigned. Identifies allegations. Interviews complainants, police officers, other witnesses, experts, and individuals. Gathers physical and documentary evidence in order to provide a body of information for analysis and resolution of complaints. Analyzes information and evidence. Prepares detailed written reports on each complaint investigated, including factual backup documentation, analysis of findings and recommendations, and refers appropriate cases for legal review or review by the Internal Affairs Unit. Makes recommended findings in resolution of complaints. Maintains all records for each case handled and preserves evidence in a secure manner for evaluation and analysis. Identifies issues and concerns from complaints, leading to recommendations for review and improvement of Cleveland Division of Police policies, procedures, training and equipment. Summarizes and explains progress and results of investigations to complainants and named individual members of the Cleveland Division of Police. Assists in notification procedures pertaining to cases. Testifies and/or makes oral presentations before the Chief of Police, the Civilian Police Review Board, and other bodies on the subject of investigations and findings. Prepares reports and other related documents to present at hearings. Represents the Office of Professional Standards at community meetings, conferences and other related functions. Establishes and maintains effective and cooperative working relationships with community groups, representatives of the Cleveland Division of Police, and other agencies involved in the legal system. Participates in outreach and educational functions of the Office of Professional Standards. Reviews and receives training on legislation, court cases, legal opinions, and Cleveland Division of Police policies relevant to the activities of the office to maintain and enhance professional competency. Assists in developing policies and procedures. Responds to emergency complaints and police situations as assigned. Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Public Safety Management, or a closely-related field from an accredited four-year college or university is required. Five years of full-time paid administrative investigative experience, three of which must be in conducting investigations consisting of evidence gathering, witness interviewing, and case file maintenance, is required. A valid State of Ohio Driver’s License is required. The following are preferred: A Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Public Safety Management, or a closely-related field of study from an accredited four-year college or university; Experience in conducting administrative investigations of police misconduct; Experience using IAPro; Five Years of Supervisory/Management experience is strongly preferred.