The Deputy Independent Police Auditor (DIPA) assists the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) in serving as a liaison between the Public, the City of Akron and the Citizen’s Police Oversight Board (CPOB). The DIPA assists with professional audit and analytic work through the research, collection and analysis of data, preparation of reports and other documents as may be required. The DIPA gathers police use-of-force incident reports, reviews citizen complaints alleging misconduct, and assists with comprehensive procedural and operational audits of the Police Department training, policies, procedures, and activities. The DIPA participates in community and educational programs related to the IPA’s duties. The DIPA must exercise independent judgment in making data-driven decisions and recommendations. Performs all required duties as directed by the Independent Police Auditor. The DIPA’s duties may include facilitating and noticing meetings, conducting review and research and generating tangible work product, including reports, and presentations. Assists in reviewing and summarizing use-of-force investigations and citizen complaints alleging police misconduct. Summarizes findings of completed reviews. May conduct status meetings with the CPOB and the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability (OPSA) regarding the status of open matters. Compiles, reviews, and analyzes data related to use of force, deviations from procedure, and citizens’ complaints. Assists in developing programs to foster and improve community relations. Assists in analyzing trends, patterns, and data to recommend updates to APD training techniques, procedures, and policies. Assists in preparing audit documents and comprehensive reports. Assists in identifying training needs and presenting data during in-service training. Reviews reports and investigations for thoroughness, completeness, accuracy, quality, and timeliness. Gather additional information as necessary. Assists in preparing records and reports. Communicates with the CPOB, citizens, community groups, police personnel, City Council, and City Administration to facilitate working relationships. Keeps abreast of City policies and procedures, police training administered, court decisions, criminal procedure, and criminal statutes. May testify in court or administrative proceedings. Completes special projects as assigned. Drives to meetings, interviews, and training. Exercises discretion in review of internal operations and maintains complete confidentiality of information unless disclosure is authorized by law and is within City guidelines and required to execute the responsibilities of the position. Performs related work as required.The successful incumbent for the position will have the following required education and experience:
 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study related to the nature of work performed by the Office of the Independent Police Auditor for the City of Akron.
• At least four years’ professional experience in (a) criminal, civil rights, and/or labor law; (b) corporate and/or governmental investigations; and/or (c) experience in law enforcement and/or corrections oversight in addition to two years of management experience or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and supervise staff in auditing, evaluating, and conducting investigations within a major organizational unit.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, labor and employment principles and disciplinary procedures.
• Superior knowledge of law enforcement and/or corrections policies and practices, particularly regarding internal investigations for misconduct and use of force.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and assess aggregate data for patterns and trends.
• Superior ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to present complex concepts and detailed information in a cohesive, concise and objective manner.
• Knowledge of the City of Akron’s racial and ethnic diversity, cultural traditions and socio-economic conditions.
• Ability to exercise independence, sound judgment, and objectivity to justify conclusions and make credible recommendations regarding systemic improvements to policies and practices to support constitutional policing and ongoing system effectiveness and police excellence. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 
 

• Master’s degree. A Master’s or Law degree may be substituted for two years of the required experience as outlined above.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and ability to apply the same to highly complex audits of Akron Police Department units, programs, activities and accounts.
• Experience in conducting or supervising the analysis and interpretation of large and/or complex data sets.
• Thorough understanding and knowledge of Akron Police Department policies, directives and procedures.

 
Competencies Required

Demonstrates Personal Accountability. Honest in behavior and ethics. Always operates with transparency and integrity. Demonstrates personal responsibility for ensuring the completion of work assignments as prescribed. Leverages experience and effective problem solving to overcome hurdles.
 
Communicates Effectively. Demonstrates openness, candor, and respect, in communicating with colleagues. Presents ideas and information verbally and in writing in a clear, concise, and readily understood manner. Shares information with and informs others on a timely basis using appropriate language. Able to articulate agency mission and goals.
 
Operates Collaboratively. Is open, courteous, and collegial. Solicits and values input and participation from colleagues. Recognizes and believes in the importance of teamwork. Works with senior executives, staff, and diverse groups and cultures. Sensitive to the needs and concerns of those under-serviced and under-represented. Awareness and consciousness of diversity, inclusion, and equity challenges across communities.
 
Technical Proficiency. Is well-informed on data analytics issues, as well as the technical skills needed to perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis and visualization tasks and seeks to be current on data security and other related trends in state/local government.
 
Leadership. A demonstrated record for integrity, professionalism, sound judgement, and leadership. Demonstrated a forward-thinking and motivational approach to leadership. Creates and nurtures a performance-based culture that supports efforts to realize the CPOB and the IPA’s mission and accomplish its goals. Inspires, motivates, and guides others, and partners with others to ensure goals are met.
 
Operational & Strategic Planning. Contributes to the development, execution, and assessment of the agency's annual work-plan. Displays a keen awareness of and attention to short- and long-term goals, stakeholder interests, and exploring opportunities for cross-agency collaboration.
 
 Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and a recent writing sample relevant to the type of work an auditor would perform when applying to this position, along with three professional references and two personal references to Anthony W. Finnell, Independent Police Auditor, afinnell@akronohio.gov. 
 
The deadline for submission is Friday, May 24, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern).