Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission
Job Posting
Job Title: Deputy Director of Police Standards
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 POST Commission is looking for an experienced attorney to join the growing team of the Division of Police Standards (“Division”) as its Deputy Director. The Division advances the Commission’s statutory mission of investigating allegations of officer misconduct, and, when appropriate, advocating for disciplinary outcomes in a way that engenders the trust of the public-at-large and protects the integrity of the law enforcement profession. The Deputy Director will play a leading and critical role in the fulfillment of these objectives.
POSITION FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Deputy Director will assist the Director in leading all aspects of the Division’s work. As the Division continues to grow and expand into new functions and missions, the Deputy Director will play a leading role in the development of policies and procedures to standardize various aspects of the Division's work. Along with the Director, the Deputy Director will work directly with the Division’s Enforcement Counsels (who are practicing attorneys barred in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts), Compliance Agents, Intake Coordinators, paralegal, and administrative professionals to supervise the intake of complaints, and the conduct of preliminary inquiries and adjudicatory proceedings by the Division.
Please note that pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, § 8, no employee of the Division of Police 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:
- Assist the Director of Police Standards in supervising the intake of complaints, and the conduct of preliminary inquiries and adjudicatory proceedings before the Commission.
- Provide first-tier legal review of complaints filed with the Commission by citizens or law enforcement agencies, and develop recommendations for further investigative steps, in accordance with the Commission's enabling statute, regulations and protocols.
- Assign Division members to handle matters such as preliminary inquiries, suspension appeals, disciplinary hearings, and appeals from the denial of certification or recertification, based on factors including, but not limited to, case priority, subject matter, team workload, and case complexity.
- Assist in the development and implementation of internal protocols, policies and procedures governing the conduct of preliminary inquiries, and initial staff reviews of complaints.
- Provide first-tier review of certain draft reports and pleadings to be submitted by the Division.
- Participate, on behalf of the Division, in ongoing information technology projects.
- 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
To be considered for the position, apply through MassCareers, and 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. 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 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 Federal IRS 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.