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Job Specification
Position Title: INVESTIGATOR
Job Code: AMAPCEO - General Admin Ama Unit AGA19, 19AGA
Job ID: 21498

Purpose of Position:
To plan, conduct and report with recommendations in English and French on the results of specialised investigations under the authority of the Police Services Act, R.S.O. c P.15.

Duties/Responsibilities:
In the Independent Police Review Office (IPRO) responsible for reviewing complaints against the police in Ontario, the position:

1. Independently conducts, and /or leads or participates as a team member on highly sensitive complaint investigations from inception to completion, ensuring each investigation is completed thoroughly and on time, and travelling to locations as required to ensure investigative completeness and integrity.

2. Develops investigative tools and plans of action/approaches. Plans objective, fair, thorough, unbiased and timely investigations into public complaints into police behaviour, as directed by the Senior Manager Investigation and/or the Independent Police Review Director (IPRD). Assesses the investigation scope, determines what evidence/information is required and the best investigation methodology, including the requirement for specialized assistance and support (e.g. forensic services), and who to interview and when. Develops investigative tools (eg: specific interview structures) and schedules, to ensure complete and timely collection of facts. Identifies potential investigative barriers and recommends effective solutions.

3. Gathers, organises, analyses and assesses evidence using appropriate techniques and technology. Ensures procedural compliance with prescribed rules of evidence, law with respect to recognised investigative procedures, and related IPRO policies, procedures and standards. Interviews all parties to the complaints (eg: police, corrections and civilian witnesses). Co-ordinates with third parties officially able to provide investigation-related input and evidence (eg: hospitals, forensic scientists, owners of video/media etc.).

4. Prepares comprehensive, succinct written reports that address the key issues of investigation findings, setting out facts cogently, objectively and accurately and in appropriate detail, and including a well-reasoned analysis and objective assessment of evidence dealing with individual and/or systemic issue. Identifies options and/or makes recommendations for subsequent action (eg: case dismissal, mediation, changes to police force(s`) procedures and standards, police training, etc). Creates interim reports, biweekly case reviews, etc. and identifies issues in consultation with the Senior Manager Investigation. Prepares briefing notes, chronologies, and input to presentations for public and community groups across the province.

5. Conducts a variety of meetings and conciliation initiatives, applying proven case resolution techniques to resolve cases within IPRO policies, standards, procedures and timelines, (eg: facilitates conciliation through reviews and explanations of findings with the parties).

6. Consults and co-ordinates closely with other IPRO investigators, counsel, case management personnel etc to ensure integrity, completeness, consistency and timeliness of investigations, and to share/obtain expertise.

7. Provides expertise, information and explains results of findings to support internal and external follow-up activities as required.

8. Manages assigned case files in accordance with related standards, policies, procedures and related legislative conditions (eg: Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act).

9. Ability to initiate and complete minutes of settlement and releases where required.

10. Uses the IPRO case management system for data input and information retrieval.

11. Participates on IPRO committees, task forces etc., to contribute expertise and participate in investigation-related planning, review and problem-solving.

12. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge:
Advanced proficiency in oral and written French that comply with OPS standards
Regular/frequent travel including overnight stays, may be required


Practical and theoretical expertise in contemporary investigation principles, theories, principles, practices, standards and tools, and of the mandate of the IPRO to: plan, execute and deliver impartial, accurate and complete investigation gathering, analyses, reports and recommendations, and to share investigative expertise with co-workers and management in the IPRO.

Thorough knowledge of the Police Services Act. R.S.O. 1990 c P.15 , and investigations- related regulations, statutes and precedents found in diverse resources (eg: constitutional law, the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canada Evidence Act, the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act, the Public Inquiries Act, and Regulations governing the IPRO), to ensure integrity and compliance in the fulfilment of the investigation role.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of the structure of police organisations, the public perception and expectations of police, and specific issues regarding police behaviour in Ontario, to liaise with complainants, witnesses, specialists and representatives of various police agencies when conducting/leading investigations.

Superior planning, analysis and evaluation skills, impartiality and aptitude for absorbing detail, in order to conduct sensitive and multifaceted investigations into public complaints about police behaviour, gather and interpret evidence during investigations; ensure validity, reliability and continuity of evidence; identify and explain details of evidence required to support tests/theories of cases; ensure quality and compliance of investigations; deliver reliable and valid reports, advice and recommendations; and identify and assess trends and patterns requiring further investigation.

Strong organisational, project management, practical problem-solving and administrative skills, to plan and conduct concurrent investigations efficiently and effectively while ensuring their integrity; and to co-ordinate and provide on-the-job mentoring to other investigators (eg: systemic investigations undertaken by a team of internal Investigators and Fee For Service investigators).

Excellent French written and oral communications to conduct investigatory interviews and discussions; explain investigation principles, needs, approach, findings, interpretation and analysis of evidence, and related legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines, and theories about the investigation; read investigative materials; prepare reports and recommendations.

Sound skills in applying appropriate case resolution techniques to facilitate resolution/resolve cases expediently and efficiently.

Excellent interpersonal skills to manage diverse relationships; demonstrate tolerance, patience and sensitivity to persons involved in the investigative process and to the public and communities; and to use tact and discretion when gathering, discussing and disclosing case-related information which is typically sensitive and/or confidential.

Proficiency in using common office software to research, analyse qualitative and quantitative information/data and develop reports; plan, track and co-ordinate work; prepare correspondence and recommendations, etc.

Judgement:
Works with general direction from the Chief Investigator within the mandate and priorities of the IPRO, applicable legislation and IPRO/Ministry/OPS policies and procedures, past precedents, and accepted principles of investigation.

Judgement is used to:
Determine investigation priorities, approach and required witnesses, tools, techniques and resources, in order to conduct/lead investigations that comply with legislation and best practices, and result in reliable, valid and complete, unbiased reports and recommendations.

Determine the relevance of evidence and direction of investigation for major/involved occurrences, including tests/theories to support interpretations.

Identify systemic issues (e.g: discrimination); recommend remedies; and conduct and/or lead and complete investigations with public interest remedies (i.e. to ensure there are no repeated instances in future).

Assess each situation, and determine the most appropriate resolution technique(s) to resolve the case.

Make influential and authoritative recommendations for change based on investigation findings.

Provide team leadership for other internal and external investigators, as assigned.

Accountability - Programs:
Planning, conducting and reporting on sensitive public complaint investigations with due regard for the integrity of process and content, and legislative, policy, practice requirements, and the principles of impartiality and fairness.

Contributing expertise and recommendations to improve police forces` readiness and ability to operate consistently in ways that reflect respect for the public, human rights, case circumstances, legislation, Rules and policy requirements, etc.

Remaining current with accepted investigatory principles, tools and techniques.

Identifying, assessing and conducting sensitive case resolution initiatives to achieve closure satisfactory to all parties and in compliance with the IPRO mandate, policies, standards and processes.

Accountability - Personnel:
Providing functional expertise to IPRO co-workers regarding investigations-related concepts, processes, techniques and tools.

Providing functional expertise, leadership and co-ordination on a project basis to assigned teams of Investigators.

Accountability - Finance & Material:
Costing and choosing/recommending specific investigation resources and tools.

Accountability - Impact of Errors:
Failure to identify and assess investigation needs and priorities accurately, develop/recommend the optimal approach and resources, and ensure involvement of appropriate witnesses, experts, methods and tools could result in invalid investigations which deny natural justice to complainants; defeat the purpose of the legislation; attract criticism from stakeholders (eg: complainants, police forces), the media and public; and reflect negatively on the integrity and capability of the IPRO in meeting its mandate efficiently and effectively.

Poor planning and management of the practical aspects of investigations could result in significant confusion, largely wasted resources and poor cost-effectiveness.

Clumsy attempts at case resolution could result in offence to the parties, increased polarisation of diverse positions, and lowered respect for the IPRO.

Contact - Internal:
Frequent contact with IPRO personnel at all levels to provide expert information and explanations on investigatory principles and tools etc, and with counsel and other investigators to discuss case specific issues.

Frequent contact with Senior Manager Investigation & Mediation to report and make authoritative recommendations, and with IPRO counsel and Community Liaison Officers to provide feedback on investigation outcomes to support their work.

Frequent contact with Case Management personnel to obtain and provide file materials.

Contact - External:
Frequent contact with counterparts, police, other organisations, experts, witnesses, complainants and their representatives to schedule, co-ordinate, and conduct investigations, and to conduct case resolution initiatives.

Contacts as required with police forces and courts to provide expert explanations of investigations findings.

Frequent contact with counterparts in the investigations field to stay current with trends and developments.

Contacts with assigned Fee For Service Investigators to provide project leadership and co-ordination as required.