Overview:
The OPAT Investigator will be part of a team working to advance the goals of the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT). OPAT was established in 2020 to provide a single point of entry for individuals with concerns or complaints related to the Boston Police Department and its officers and sworn personnel to be heard and addressed. The position requires a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, patience, and confidentiality. The successful candidate needs to consistently communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities:

• Receive, investigate, and manage a caseload of complaints related to allegations of misconduct by the Boston Police Department. Conduct trauma-informed, sensitive investigations that may include alleged discrimination based on race, color, national origin, and/or sex, including sex-based harassment, sexual assault, and relationship violence. Interview the impacted party, the respondent, and the relevant witnesses. Gather and ensure evidence is available for review in keeping with OPAT procedures. Act as a neutral party through all aspects of the investigation and ensure a prompt, fair, and neutral process for all parties. Advise impacted parties of their rights. Maintain a high level of confidentiality during all proceedings.
• Conduct periodic field investigations at the location of the alleged incident as well as travel to additional locations within the Commonwealth to interview witnesses, assess the scene, take pictures and or physical measurements, and or gather documents and materials, including traveling to various divisions of the Boston Municipal Court and other state, local, and private entities.
• Conduct investigations in a thorough and timely fashion and ensure well-documented compliance investigative processes, all the while maintaining accurate and thorough records and notes of investigatory processes.
• Create comprehensive, high-quality investigative reports and related investigation communications within established timelines that identify the issues investigated, summarize the evidence, and make findings and recommendations in accordance with OPAT policies and guidelines.s
• Provide timely updates regarding the status of complaints received and investigations in progress to the Deputy Director.
• Utilize electronic record-keeping systems and produce reports using those systems.
• Collaborate and consult with the Deputy regularly to monitor and manage police misconduct incidents to ensure an efficient and effective response to reports and complaints.
• Ensure all investigations follow a trauma-informed, equity-centered process consistent with OPAT regulations and policy.
• Ensure processes meet documentation standards in accordance with OPAT’s guidelines and procedures as well as applicable federal and state laws.
• Support and advise on training, education, and prevention initiatives related to compliance.
• Analyze and interpret rules, regulations, and policies.
• Apply knowledge of Restorative Justice practices, when appropriate, in resolving complaints and disputes.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Stay abreast of regulations and statutes relating to police misconduct and reform.
• Research and secure confidential and sensitive documentary evidence for cases, including but not limited to medical records and police reports.
• Identify, gather, review, and analyze information from a variety of sources, including technical and forensic reports regarding physical evidence.
• Participate in informative sessions and presentations to the public and outside stakeholders regarding OPAT’s investigatory process, identifying and integrating best practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, with flexibility to adapt responsibilities as laws, policies, and OPAT’s needs evolve.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in civil rights or related field.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work as part of a team.
• Exceptional oral, written, and analytical communication skills.
• Bilingual speaking preferred.
• Ability to maintain well-organized case files and other materials.
• Exercise confidentiality and discretion with highly sensitive information.
• Operate with flexibility and the ability to work long hours.
• Work under pressure and in high-stress situations.
• Familiarity with state and local government operations and processes.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Strong time-management skills to handle multiple tasks, establish priorities according to stated timelines in a busy office, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to think strategically and proactively.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• Effective project management and analytical skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills with an emphasis on education and training for a variety of constituencies.
• Ability to build relationships and establish collaborative partnerships.
• Demonstrated commitment to an inclusive culture, as well as the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies (staff, members of the public, outside stakeholders, Boston Police Department personnel, as well as other representatives from public and private entities) with diplomacy and tact.
• Maintenance of professional qualifications through ongoing training and professional development.
• Ability to act independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment.

Working Conditions:

• Although generally this position is active during regular business hours, with minimal travel expectations.

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable city policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the City’s HR Manual

• Receive, investigate, and manage a caseload of complaints related to allegations of misconduct by the Boston Police Department. Conduct trauma-informed, sensitive investigations that may include alleged discrimination based on race, color, national origin, and/or sex, including sex-based harassment, sexual assault, and relationship violence. Interview the impacted party, the respondent, and the relevant witnesses. Gather and ensure evidence is available for review in keeping with OPAT procedures. Act as a neutral party through all aspects of the investigation and ensure a prompt, fair, and neutral process for all parties. Advise impacted parties of their rights. Maintain a high level of confidentiality during all proceedings.
• Conduct periodic field investigations at the location of the alleged incident as well as travel to additional locations within the Commonwealth to interview witnesses, assess the scene, take pictures and or physical measurements, and or gather documents and materials, including traveling to various divisions of the Boston Municipal Court and other state, local, and private entities.
• Conduct investigations in a thorough and timely fashion and ensure well-documented compliance investigative processes, all the while maintaining accurate and thorough records and notes of investigatory processes.
• Create comprehensive, high-quality investigative reports and related investigation communications within established timelines that identify the issues investigated, summarize the evidence, and make findings and recommendations in accordance with OPAT policies and guidelines.s
• Provide timely updates regarding the status of complaints received and investigations in progress to the Deputy Director.
• Utilize electronic record-keeping systems and produce reports using those systems.
• Collaborate and consult with the Deputy regularly to monitor and manage police misconduct incidents to ensure an efficient and effective response to reports and complaints.
• Ensure all investigations follow a trauma-informed, equity-centered process consistent with OPAT regulations and policy.
• Ensure processes meet documentation standards in accordance with OPAT’s guidelines and procedures as well as applicable federal and state laws.
• Support and advise on training, education, and prevention initiatives related to compliance.
• Analyze and interpret rules, regulations, and policies.
• Apply knowledge of Restorative Justice practices, when appropriate, in resolving complaints and disputes.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Stay abreast of regulations and statutes relating to police misconduct and reform.
• Research and secure confidential and sensitive documentary evidence for cases, including but not limited to medical records and police reports.
• Identify, gather, review, and analyze information from a variety of sources, including technical and forensic reports regarding physical evidence.
• Participate in informative sessions and presentations to the public and outside stakeholders regarding OPAT’s investigatory process, identifying and integrating best practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, with flexibility to adapt responsibilities as laws, policies, and OPAT’s needs evolve