SUPERVISING INVESTIGATOR-COPA

Number of Positions: 1

A COPA Supervising Investigator directs and manages the work of investigative staff engaged in investigating allegations of misconduct against members of the Chicago Police Department (CPD). The Supervising Investigator also manages caseloads and monitors and reviews the investigative process to ensure investigations of misconduct against members of the Chicago Police Department are performed with integrity and timeliness, and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Reviews incoming complaints, allegations and notifications and assigns cases to investigative staff based on complexity of investigation, investigative staff competencies, and operational efficiencies.

• Monitors and reviews investigatory activities of assigned team members to ensure investigations are conducted in a timely manner and are consistent with internal policies, procedures, and applicable law.

• Liaises with Cook County State's Attorney's Office and U.S. Attorney's office, as needed.

• Reviews case files prior to the closing of cases to ensure that all appropriate investigatory steps have been taken and that the investigatory findings are consistent with the evidence gathered.

• Supervises and reviews the drafting of investigative reports to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

• Trains investigative staff on investigative techniques, reporting methods and internal policies and procedures

• Provides guidance to investigative team members on complex issues that arise in investigations.

• Provides testimony at criminal, administrative and arbitration proceedings as needed.

• Supervises and reviews the drafting of summary reports.

• Reviews and contributes to preliminary disciplinary recommendations.

• Uses case management tools to ensure that case files of team members are maintained properly, and to ensure that operational timeliness goals are met consistently.

• Supervises investigators and collaborates with Data Analysts on pattern or practice investigations to ensure thoroughness, accuracy, and timeliness.

• Conducts semi-annual case reviews of investigative team members.

• Evaluates investigative team members pursuant to COPA’s performance evaluation system.

• Participates in the on-call rotation for reporting to the scene of officer-involved weapons discharge incidents or police custody incidents.

• Recommends revisions to police collective bargaining agreements for the purpose of improving the quality, efficiency, and transparency of investigations.

• Consults with attorneys to review disciplinary charges prior to being presented to department members to ensure accuracy and consistency with investigatory findings.

• Maintains contact with CPD detectives to stay apprised of investigative developments in related criminal investigations.

• Identifies and reports on opportunities for pattern and practice investigations; conducts pattern and practice investigations.

• Testifies in court, arbitration hearings and before the Police Board as needed.

• Collaborates with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office to prepare cases for criminal proceedings.

• Identifies areas of improvement to police department tactics and training based on information obtained through investigations.

• Makes recommendations to the Chief Administrator regarding the appropriate discipline or other remedial measures based on the investigatory findings.

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

Location: 1615 W. Chicago Ave

Days: Monday - Friday

Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm (with on-call rotation availability)

Availability to work weekends is required

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE

Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or related university, PLUS five (5) years of experience conducting civil, criminal or factual investigations that involve gathering, analyzing and evaluating evidence; conducting in-depth research, analysis and report writing; and conducting interviews with witnesses; OR graduation from an accredited law school, PLUS two (2) years of experience conducting civil, criminal or factual investigations that involve gathering, analyzing and evaluating evidence; conducting in-depth research, analysis and report writing; and conducting interviews with witnesses; or an equivalent combination of training and experience provided the minimum degree requirement is met.

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

• A valid State of Illinois driver’s license is required

• Availability to work any duty watch is required

• Availability to participate in the on-call rotation in response to incidents requiring immediate investigation by the agency

• Commitment to neutral civilian oversight

• Certification

NOTE: Per City of Chicago Municipal Ordinance #2-78-120, no investigator employed by the COPA Office shall be a current or former sworn member of the Chicago Police Department within the last five (5) years.

Selection Requirement: This position requires applicants to successfully complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the interview will be selected.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:

• Previous experience employed on a full-time basis by a local, state, or federal government oversight agency
• Previous employment, on a full-time basis, with a law enforcement agency as a sworn law enforcement officer
• Previous work experience prosecuting felony criminal cases
• Previous experience in providing advocacy to victims of domestic violence or prosecuting or investigating allegations of domestic violence and/or sexual misconduct
• 2 years of previous experience supervising one or more lawyers or investigators
• 5 or more years of work experience as an investigator.
• Ability to fluently read, write and speak any language other than English

Please note, all positions with the City of Chicago close promptly at 11:59pm C.D.T. Applications for this position will be accepted from July 25, 2023, until 11:59 pm CDT on August 08, 2023. No exceptions will be made.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer

City of Chicago Department of Human Resources

Brandon Johnson, Mayor