INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

The Internal Affairs Division is responsible for investigating incidents and possible suspicions of law-breaking and professional misconduct attributed to employees with the Sheriff’s Office. It is thus a mechanism of limited self-governance, "a Sheriff’s Office Policing Itself". The division is also charged with providing professional development training and education to the office in efforts to enhance the profession.

DUTY SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In accordance with General Orders, a Internal Affairs Officer is a commissioned position that is responsible for detecting and being an investigating officer as appointed by the commanding officer regarding crimes or misconduct offenses committed by employees. Furthermore, the Internal Affairs Officer conducts investigations to verify the authenticity of complaints as filed against the employee by the public. Their responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following;

• Investigates complaints filed against employees by citizens: Interviews complainant to identify officers being accused and to obtain facts concerning complaints.

• Interviews accused employees to obtain responses to accusations.

• Records interviews, using recording device, and prepares charges and responses to charges, using recorded information as reference.

• Conducts investigations to establish facts supporting complainant or accused, using supportive information from witnesses or tangible evidence.

• Schedules polygraph test for consenting parties, and records results of test interpretations for presentation with findings.

• Writes reports of findings from results of investigations and submits reports to commanding officer or designee for review.

• Testifies at hearings as requested.

RESOURCE(S)

• Security Clearances for Law Enforcement