NCJ Number
166744
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 63 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1996) Pages: 45-48,50
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
After discussing possible motivations for an officer to seek the position of an internal affairs investigator, this article recommends a procedure for selecting such investigators, followed by suggestions for their support and scope of responsibility.
Abstract
Possible motivations for an officer to seek the position of internal affairs investigator are power and status; promotion, recognition, and reward; working conditions and work hours; experience and knowledge; responsibility and career enhancement; the work challenge; escape; a noble cause; and revenge. Selection procedures should include an announcement of the position's availability, interviews with candidates, selection based on merit and investigative experience, an explanation of the hazards of the position prior to selection, and the use of supervisors when possible. Also, the candidate should have good communication and writing skills, as well as analytical skills and decisionmaking ability. Candidates should not be zealots or have hidden agendas that would compromise objective investigations. Internal affairs operations should be supported by command personnel as a significant part of the operation of a professional organization. In an effort to ensure fairness, however, the scope of responsibility of the internal affairs investigator should be limited to fact-finding. The determination of whether violations have occurred should be made by an objective review board, departmental commanders, or the chief, based on investigative findings.