Special Investigator (Office of Community Police Oversight [OCPO] Dept., Non-Civil Service)

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Job Summary

The Special Investigator functions as a civilian expert responsible for conducting independent, impartial, and thorough investigations into the activities of the DPD. This role directly supports the mission of the OCPO to build greater trust and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the Dallas community.

Job Description
 

Overview

Under the direction of the OCPO’s Director and Police Monitor, the Special Investigator conducts sensitive, independent investigations of police-involved shootings, deaths in custody, and other incidents. These may include but are not limited to use-of-force incidents resulting in serious bodily injury, dishonesty by a police officer, discourteous conduct toward a member of the public, or conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

The Special Investigator is responsible for interviewing complainants, impacted parties, witnesses, and members of the DPD related to the investigation. Conducts canvasses for witnesses and evidence, obtains and analyzes evidence, ensures its safe custody, and maintains confidentiality in their work and case files.

OCPO’s investigations are often high-profile and involve sensitive matters. Investigators must adhere to strict confidentiality requirements and complete a background check within 30 days of starting work with the OCPO.

Essential Functions

1 Plan, organize, and conduct sensitive investigations into police-involved shootings, deaths in custody, use-of-force incidents, and other high-profile matters involving DPD personnel.

2 Interview complainants, witnesses, impacted parties, and DPD members; canvass for additional evidence and witnesses as needed.

3 Collect, analyze, and safeguard all relevant evidence, including body-worn camera footage, cell phone/surveillance footage, documentation, and records.

4 Prepare clear, comprehensive investigative reports summarizing facts, findings, and recommendations based on the preponderance of evidence.

5 Present investigative findings to the OCPO Director, members of CPOB, and other stakeholders.

6 Identify policy trends and gaps and assist OCPO leadership in making policy recommendations to DPD and city officials.

7 Uphold strict confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism throughout all investigative processes.

8 Mentor and train staff and contribute to the development and delivery of training on investigative procedures and workplace conduct.

9 Engage effectively with the Dallas community, demonstrating cultural competency and sensitivity to those most impacted by policing.

10 Communicate with members of the CPOB, DPD, and other government officials.

11 Respond to critical incidents and participate in outreach as needed.

12 Perform any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing detailed investigative reports. 

• Extensive knowledge of investigative techniques and best practices in law enforcement and administrative investigations, including employment law and HR processes.

• Expertise in gathering, analyzing, and safeguarding evidence, conducting thorough interviews, and preparing comprehensive investigative reports that meet legal and policy standards.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex investigations simultaneously while maintaining strict attention to confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism.

• Advanced computer proficiency, including use of case management systems, digital evidence management, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Familiarity with records management systems, processing public records requests, and secure file-sharing platforms.

• Knowledge of public policy, relevant laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to law enforcement oversight.

• Knowledge of crime scene investigation, law enforcement procedures, and medical/legal terminology.

• Strong analytical skills in evidence gathering, data analysis, and drawing logical conclusions.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective interaction with officers, civilian staff, community members, and leadership.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals is most impacted by policing, demonstrating cultural competency and sensitivity.

• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations, including interactions with difficult or distressed individuals.

• Commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and fair treatment for all individuals.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Human Resources, Public Administration, or a related field. 

*Must pass an intensive background investigation, and obtain the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within 30 days of hire.

Experience

Minimum of six (6) years’ experience conducting personnel or workplace investigations (may not have served as a sworn Dallas Police Department member).

Three (3) years of leadership experience in a public-sector organization is preferred.

Must pass an intensive background investigation and obtain the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification within 30 days of hire.

*In addition to the education outlined, the required experience must be achieved, and the licenses and certifications must be acquired in the timeframe outlined.

Licenses and Certifications

Candidates must pass a CJIS fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility within 30 days of hire. (Required)

Due to CJIS system access requirements, the following will disqualify applicants: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A Misdemeanor Convictions, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions in the past 10 years, Class A Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication within the last 10 years, any open arrest for a criminal offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and all Family Violence Convictions regardless of class.

Equivalencies (Education and Experience)

High school diploma or GED plus nine (9) years of required experience.

Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, Human Resources, Public Administration, or other field from an accredited college or university, plus seven (7) years of required experience, will meet both education and experience minimum requirements.

Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Human Resources, Public Administration, or other field from an accredited college or university, plus three (3) years of required experience, will meet both education and experience minimum requirements.

Preferred Qualifications and Other Requirements

Familiarity with the Dallas community, and its history of community-law enforcement relations.

Experience working within a civilian oversight agency or public sector organization focused on law enforcement or public accountability.

Bilingual or multilingual skills.

*Minimum Qualification Notation: ALL qualifying information (including education, experience, and licenses and certifications listed in the minimum qualifications section) must be included in the application to be considered for this position.

Information included in any attachments (such as the resume) is in addition to, not in lieu of application information.

Working Conditions and Hazards:

Primarily office-based work, with occasional off-site duties such as investigations, community outreach, and events. Must be willing to travel within and outside Dallas as needed and be available for on-call responsibilities.

Salary Range

 

$70,075.20 - $87,609.60

 

The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.