Director of Professional Standards & Internal Affairs ‣ UnchainedInc

Director of Professional Standards & Internal Affairs

  • Full Time
  • Virginia
  • Full Time
  • Virginia

George Mason University

Department: Executive Administration

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

The primary purpose/objective/mission of the University Police Department is to provide a safe and secure environment for all university employees, students, and guests. Embracing the principles of community policing, the department works collaboratively with academic and administrative units, individuals, and organizations in furtherance of the mission of the university. The department delivers a comprehensive program in law enforcement to provide the highest level of safety, security, and service for the students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the university, as they pursue their daily work and study activities, consistent with the laws of the commonwealth, and the policies of the university.

About the Position:

The Director of Professional Standards & Internal Affairs is responsible for management of the Police & Public Safety Professional Standards program which includes, but is not limited to conducting administrative investigations of police personnel, conducting administrative inspections and internal audits of staff, policies, standards, time and attendance records, personnel performance, etc. The Director liaises with external auditors, other law enforcement agencies, and court officials in addressing internal affairs matters. The Director also provides policy guidance to department senior leadership and facilitates the accreditation processes. The position is responsible for performing complex administrative work and reports directly to the Chief of Police.

Responsibilities:

  • Manages the Professional Standards Unit; 
    • Manages and directs the Professional Standards Unit and ensures the operational and administrative functions of the unit are conducted under established professional police performance standards;
    • Ensures department compliance with laws, policies, and established standards of conduct.
    • Manages all functions of the unit, which includes, but is not limited to:
      • Manages the department’s Personnel Early Intervention System (PEIS) and Performance History Audits;
      • Manages, assigns, and investigates personnel complaints/internal affairs cases;
      • Maintains and ensures security of personnel complaints records;
      • Conducts announced and unannounced inspections and internal audits;
      • Reviews and provides input and advice in drafting and updating Police Department policies, conforming with State and Federal laws and regulations, accreditation standards, and university policies where appropriate;
      • Works closely with department’s policy and accreditation manager to facilitate department compliance with accreditation standards;
      • Works closely with University Policy Committee, FOIA Compliance Officer(s), University Human Resources (HR), and Legal Counsel Office as needed;
      • Represents the Police Department at university meetings;
      • Conducts pre-employment background investigations of job candidates;
      • Coordinates and/or provides responses to pre-employment background investigation inquiries of current/former police department employees and applicants;
      • Liaises with the courts, Virginia DCJS, and other law enforcement agencies regarding internal affairs cases, Brady disclosures and inquiries, and law enforcement certification issues;
      • Trains department staff regarding Professional Standards processes and associated policies;
  • The Director of Professional Standards & Internal Affairs shall be trained in law enforcement internal affairs investigations;
  • Coordinates Brady disclosures with the courts, DCJS decertification requests when required, and ensuring department compliance with current laws and policies related to handling of law enforcement IA records; 
  • Conducts Administrative Inspections & Audits; 
  • Conducts routine announced and unannounced inspections of records and staff;
  • Audits department member performance and records to include written, audio, and video. Delivers reports of inspections and audits to the Chief of Police and in accordance with the department accreditation process;
  • Liaises with external auditors to facilitate various inspections and audits; 
  • Inspections and Audits the Director of Professional Standards & Internal Affairs is responsible for including, but are not limited to:
    • Staff inspections
    • Fleet inspections
    • Facility inspections
    • Timesheet Audits
    • Quality Assurance Audits
    • Use of Force Audits 
    • Personnel Complaint/Internal Affairs Audits
    • Personnel Early Intervention System/Performance Audits;
  • Conducts Internal Affairs Investigations and Prepare Reports in a Timely and Confidential Manner;
    • Responsible for intake and review of complaints against department personnel, investigation and/or assignment of the investigation of complaints;
    • Demonstrates ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in handling and investigation of complaints;
    • Conducts thorough and methodical investigations of all complaints, analyzes evidence, and interviews;
    • Ensures thorough and detail-oriented documentation of complaints and investigative reports;
    • Demonstrates ability to utilize advanced critical thinking skills and application of policies, laws, and regulations to complaint investigations;
    • Exercises good judgment and analytical skills as needed in making decisions and solving problems;
    • Adheres to strict deadlines and maintains a working knowledge of employee due process and grievance procedures; 
    • Testifies in court and employee grievance hearings when required;
  • Serves as a liaison to other university departments, law enforcement agencies, and the courts related to internal affairs duties;
  • Serves as liaison to GMU Human Resources for internal affairs and other confidential personnel matters;
  • Maintains high level of confidentiality in handling sensitive information, working effectively with each unit, supervisor, and employee;
  • Maintains a professional working relationship with the University Administration, Title IX, University Counsel, and other university departments, as well as with other elements of the criminal justice system including the courts, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and other law enforcement agencies and Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS);
    • Responsible for ensuring department compliance with providing Brady disclosures and responding to inquiries of the courts, providing notifications and relevant records to Virginia DCJS when de-certification requests are required;
  • Practices personal accountability and follows code of conduct, laws, policies, and procedures, and is in compliance with training and certification required of position;
  • Reviews, follows, and maintains a working knowledge of all laws, state, university, and department policies;
  • Complies with FBI, VCIN, and CJIS policies safeguarding confidential/criminal justice information;
  • Follows department’s professional police standards and code of conduct;
  • Maintains a professional police appearance in compliance with grooming, hygiene, body art, and uniform standards;
    • Maintains all certifications and qualifications for the position of Director of Professional Standards & Internal Affairs;
    • Complies with state, university, and department leave policies;
    • Submits written leave requests with reasonable notice, utilizing leave only as approved by supervisor/department, and for the purpose of which it is intended;
    • Demonstrates punctuality and reports on time for meetings, assignments, training, and other duties;
  • Promotes a positive, professional image and practices personal accountability and responsibility;
    • Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and commitment;
    • Devotes full effort to job responsibilities during work hours performing assigned duties and responsibilities with the highest degree of public trust;
    • Conducts themselves at all times in a manner that supports the mission of their agency and the performance of their duties;
    • Reports circumstances or concerns that may affect satisfactory work performance to management, including any inappropriate (fraudulent, illegal, unethical) activities of other employees;
    • Works cooperatively to achieve work unit and agency goals and objectives;
    • Demonstrates respect for the agency and toward agency coworkers, supervisors, managers, subordinates, residential clients, students, and customers;
    • Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct, honesty, and truthfulness at all times;
    • Meets or exceed established job performance expectations; and
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent level of training, knowledge, skills, certifications, and experience;
  • Considerable experience in a teamwork environment with public administration, law enforcement management, investigative position, program planning and/or substantial training and education in public administration and management;
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern public safety agency operations, accreditation, administration, criminal justice, and internal affairs/audit, employee grievance and dispute resolution processes;
  • Knowledge of law enforcement disciplinary processes and employee procedural rights;
  • Considerable management skills and knowledge of the principles and techniques of law enforcement, security, investigations and interviews, performance management, and training;
  • Knowledge of law enforcement budget and resource allocations;
  • Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and university and department policies;
  • Working knowledge of administrative functions in areas of policy and supervision;
  • Knowledge of law enforcement practices and terminology;
  • Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, and verbal/written communication skills;
  • Excellent public relations/customer service skills;
  • Excellent judgment and decision-making skills;
  • Ability to train staff and speak informatively to public groups concerning law enforcement professional standards and internal affairs process;
  • Ability to meet strict deadlines and complete assignments in a timely fashion, self-motivate, and conclude work projects;
  • Able to work independently with minimal supervision;
  • Ability to provide professional/caring community-oriented service;
  • Ability to communicate respectfully to internal and external customers, appreciate diversity and respects differences, maintain confidentiality;
  • Ability to manage complex, confidential investigations and interviews and sensitive issues;
  • Ability to perform well under stress in a calm, efficient manner;
  • Ability to be compliant with Virginia State Police/FBI/Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) policies;
  • Ability to plan, organize, and direct the efforts of complex law enforcement internal affairs investigations;
  • Ability to problem solve and work collaboratively with employees;
  • Ability to establish partnerships and build external relationships to reinforce the safety mission of the department; 
  • Dependable work ethic, high level of integrity, honesty, and accountability;
  • Required to obtain and maintain CJIS Level 3 certification in compliance with Virginia State Police and FBI regulations;
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license is required; must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review; and
  • Must have or be able to obtain training as a law enforcement Internal Affairs Investigator within six months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in related field;
  • Progressive and significant proven experience in law enforcement administration;
  • Experience working in a university law enforcement environment highly desired;
  • Experience working in a law enforcement agency that is accredited or is in the process of seeking accreditation;
  • Prior security, public safety, emergency management, or military experience;
  • Extensive experience as an internal affairs investigator or law enforcement internal audit position;
  • Considerable knowledge of law enforcement supervisory practices; and
  • Strong public speaking skills and abilities.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Director of Professional Standards & Internal Affairs at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a resume with cover letter for review.

Posting Open Date: August 13, 2024

Posting Close Date: August 20, 2024

Open Until Filled?:  No

 

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