8124-Investigator, Department of Police Accountability

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

TITLE: Investigator, Department of Police Accountability

JOB CODE: 8124

INTRODUCTION

Under supervision in the Department of Police Accountability, performs professional-level investigative work in connection with complaints brought against sworn members of the Police Department by the public

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DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Incumbents in this class are responsible for performing professional-level investigative work for the Department of Police Accountability (DPA) within the Police Department. This class is distinguished from class 8126 Senior Investigator, Department of Police Accountability, in that incumbents in class 8126 oversee and/or directly perform the more difficult and sensitive investigations and supervise class 8124 Investigators.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Receives complaints in person, by telephone, in writing and by other means; answers questions and provides information on the functions and procedures of the Department of Police Accountability to complainants, police officers, witnesses, members of the public and others.

2. Identifies allegations and investigates complaints under the jurisdiction of the Department of Police Accountability using tact and discretion; interviews complainants, police officers, witnesses, experts and others and gathers physical and documentary evidence in order to provide a body of information for analysis and resolution of complaints.

3. Maintains records, files, data and supporting documentation for each case handled; preserves evidence in a secure manner for evaluation and analysis, adhering to established customs and procedures regarding control and custody of records, including evidence.

4. Analyzes information and evidence resulting from investigative activities and makes recommendations based on findings for resolution of complaints.

5. Writes detailed reports on each complaint investigated, including factual backup documentation, analysis of findings and proposed recommendations.

6. Summarizes and explains progress and results of investigations with complainants, police officers and their representatives.

7. Regularly prepares lists and records accounting for status of assigned investigative caseload.

8. May testify before the Police Commission and other legal bodies on the subject of particular investigations and findings.

9. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with community groups, representatives of the Police Department and other agencies involved in the legal system.

10. Addresses and works with community groups, including participating in outreach and educational functions of the DPA; may monitor police activities in crowd control situations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: investigative practices and procedures; procedures for gathering, documenting, preserving and presenting data and evidence; interview methods and techniques, including those needed to interview difficult, emotionally distressed or hostile individuals, in order to conduct investigations.

Ability and Skill to: conduct investigations with tact and discretion; identify, gather, review and analyze information from a variety of sources; develop sound conclusions and logical recommendations; identify and apply correct standards and rules to the facts found in investigations; prioritize tasks and projects in order to manage caseload and meet goals; interact courteously, fairly and effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds; promote, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups; speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen and elicit information; write reports and correspondence in a clear, concise, well-organized and effective manner; maintain accurate and factual records and files of investigative data and evidence; learn the use of a personal computer to produce written materials and access information; remain fair, objective and open-minded while investigating complaints; remain impartial and calm in frustrating and/or confrontational situations; maintain perspective and take initiative in implementing a variety of methods in order to gather information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

One (1) year of experience investigating allegations of official or employee misconduct.

License and Certification:

Substitution:

Possession of a law degree (J.D.) may be substituted for the required experience.

Two (2) years of experience performing investigative work in a professional field such as law, media/journalism, public health/welfare, human/civil rights, business (e.g. finance, insurance), education, social sciences, public policy/government or a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Additional experience may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of 2 years). Thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units equal one (1) year.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 8126 Senior Investigator, Department of Police Accountability

ORIGINATION DATE: 01/07/1983

AMENDED DATE: 01/14/00; 05/09/17

REASON FOR AMENDMENT: To accurately reflect the change of the Department name from Office of Citizen Complaint to the Department of Police Accountability.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation