Level 1 Investigator

About The Role:

The CCRB’s civilian investigators are at the core of the agency’s operations and play a critical role in carrying out its mission. Level 1 Investigators are entry-level professionals responsible for conducting impartial investigations into civilian complaints against NYPD Members of Service (MOS) involving allegations of police misconduct that fall within the CCRB’s jurisdiction.

In carrying out these investigations, Investigators are responsible for:

• Collecting, reviewing, and analyzing evidence;  
• Interviewing complainants, victims, witnesses, and Members of Service (police officers); 
• Conducting legal research and analysis; and 
• Drafting impartial, concise, and comprehensive investigative reports detailing all aspects of their findings. 

The preparation of closing reports is a significant responsibility and is considered one of the most critical aspects of an investigator’s role.

About the Department: 

Led by the Agency’s Chief of Investigations, the CCRB’s Investigations Division is comprised of several specialized squads and units, including:

• General Investigations Squads – Responsible for all aspects of investigating cases that fall within the agency’s FADO jurisdiction. 
• Racial Profiling and Bias-Based Policing (RPBP) Squads – Responsible for investigating cases within the agency’s FADO jurisdiction that also involve allegations or concerns that an officer’s actions were motivated by a civilian’s membership in one or more protected categories, including race, national origin/ethnicity, color, religion, age, immigration or citizenship status, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status. 
• Case Closing Squad – Responsible for efficiently completing investigations when the originally assigned investigator is unable to do so. 
• Special Operations Unit – Supports and supplements investigations through functions such as conducting intake interviews, collecting evidence, securing documents and body-worn camera footage, and coordinating mediation efforts. 
• Training Unit – Oversees a comprehensive multi-week training program for newly hired investigators and provides ongoing in-service training to prepare investigators for all aspects of their roles. 

Except for the Case Closing Squad and the Training Unit, Level 1 Investigators may be assigned to any of the above-mentioned squads or units.

What will you learn: 

New investigators participate in an intensive multi-week orientation and training program led by supervisors with extensive investigative and administrative experience. Through this training, investigators develop a strong understanding of policing in a democratic society, New York City Police Department procedures, legal principles governing the use of force, search and seizure laws, and other relevant legal and investigative practices.

The position also offers:

• Comprehensive in-service training 
• Challenging and meaningful responsibilities 
• A diverse and inclusive work environment 
• Mentorship and ongoing support 
• Opportunities for promotion and career advancement
• Meaningful work at an organization committed to advancing health equity and social justice

Responsibilities: 

• Receive, manage, and impartially investigate civilian complaints alleging that NYPD Members of Service used excessive force, abused their authority, behaved discourteously, used offensive language, or made false official statements. 
• Determine whether complaints fall within the CCRB’s jurisdiction. 
• Schedule and conduct interviews with complainants, witnesses, and officers. (Officers are typically accompanied by union representatives.) 
• Identify, secure, review, and analyze evidence, including police reports, body-worn camera footage, video recordings, medical records, and other relevant materials. 
• Analyze and interpret rules, regulations, and policies outlined in the NYPD Patrol Guide. 
• Prepare detailed interview summaries and transcriptions. 
• Draft concise and comprehensive closing reports that summarize factual findings, applicable policies, and the rationale for recommended case dispositions for review by CCRB Board members. 
• Participate in and collaborate on field investigations to identify and gather evidence. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the department’s overall mission and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities. 
• Strong analytical, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and consistently meet deadlines. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Fluency in a foreign language is a plus. 

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Benefits/Additional Information:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer 
• Union-represented position with collective bargaining benefits 
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy 
• Medical, dental, and life insurance with low or no employee contribution 
• Retirement savings plan with generous employer contributions 
• Flexible spending medical and commuter benefits plans