Police Flee Force As Phoenix Tries To Hire Oversight Director

July 6, 2021 ADI Staff Reporter
phx police

Officers are fleeing the Phoenix Police Department, heading to surrounding communities that have demonstrated a commitment to public safety and the officers that provide it. Police departments in Buckeye, Surprise, and Cave Creek are the beneficiaries of the blue flight from Phoenix.

The City of Phoenix taxpayer has paid for the officers’ training, their AZPOST certification and training – while city leaders drive them away with anti-police rhetoric and policies, say experts.

According to sources, 8-10 officers are leaving a month. They are either retiring, moving to another agency, or quitting law enforcement altogether. Not one has left recently due to disciplinary issues, according to the source.

The Police Academy cannot keep up with the demand for new officers and morale is at an all-time low.

That hasn’t stopped the City of Phoenix from advertising for the director position for the newly formed Office Of Accountability. The controversial office was formed at the behest of Phoenix City Councilman Carlos Garcia, who has made his disdain for police the cornerstone of his political agenda.

In June,  the Phoenix City Council approved increased funding for the new police oversight office in a 7-2 vote. The Council increased the budget for the new office from $400,000 to $3 million.

Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio and fellow Councilman Jim Waring voted against the budget. Garcia, Mayor Kate Gallego, Vice Mayor Betty Guardado and Council members Williams, Michael Nowakowski, Debra Stark, and Laura Pastor voted for the budget.

Anyone with any policing experience need not apply to the position designed to oversee police activity.

According to the (LinkedIn Job Posting – Director of the Office of Accountability)

  • Police experience eliminates people from the job
  • The job sets police policy
  • The job pays $165K a year – additionally the City puts in 8% to a 401a, provides over $5K in a car allowance and $1400 for cell service
  • A Spanish-speaking lawyer is preferred

Posted by Patricia Overby Talent Acquisition Manager at City of Phoenix

ABOUT THIS POSITION

During the current health crisis, the majority of job interviews will be held by video or audio conference. In person recruitment and selection processes will be conducted in accordance with recommended safety guidelines (masks, social distancing, and disinfecting between candidates).

Please be aware that you may be required to undergo screening for symptoms of COVID-19 which may include answering questions regarding symptoms or having your body temperature read as part of this job. You may also be required to wear a face covering or use other personal protective equipment (PPE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The City of Phoenix has an exciting executive level opportunity to hire a Director for the newly created Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT). The Director will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Office and its policies, procedures and programs. This will include hiring and building a team of professionals to carry out the responsibilities of the Office as outlined in city ordinance.

The Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT) is being formed to monitor, actively participate in and conduct investigations of possible misconduct by, and resident complaints against, sworn personnel of the Phoenix Police Department. The Office will make recommendations to the Police Chief regarding possible disciplinary actions against sworn personnel and will make subsequent recommendations regarding policy and training issues.

In this position, the Director will perform management, administrative, investigative, and reporting responsibilities; supervise staff and oversee the activities and functions of the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT). This Director position will coordinate and work in partnership with a Civilian Review Board (CRB) and engage and collaborate with multiple stakeholder groups including mayor and city council offices, Police Department management, community leaders, the general public and media as appropriate to provide for fair and objective oversight of the conduct of sworn personnel and to ensure public confidence in such.

Other Responsibilities Include:

  • Provides staff support for the Civilian Review Board.
  • Establishes policies & procedures to facilitate OAT investigator participation in interviewing officers and witnesses.
  • Develops and manages a complaint process for the public, and accepts and tracks incoming complaints filed against the Phoenix Police Department.
  • Monitors or investigates members of the Police Department.
  • Prepares annual reports and quarterly reports and reports as requested.
  • Provides policy, training, and disciplinary recommendations to the Chief of Police.
  • Oversees the development of community outreach programs, including delivering presentations in front of groups.

This recruitment and any interview process as a result of this recruitment may be used by multiple hiring managers and multiple departments throughout the City to fill any related current or future vacancies; other recruitments and appropriate eligible lists may also be considered.

IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS:

  • Knowledge of the organization, responsibilities, functions, policies, and procedures of local law enforcement.
  • Knowledge of the fundamentals of criminal and administrative investigations including interviewing and interrogating principles and techniques, as well as proper evidence gathering and handling techniques.
  • Ability to interpret and explain complex laws, ordinances, enforcement principles and practices, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Skill with public speaking and making presentations to large groups.
  • Skill with intergroup dynamics and conflict resolution.
  • Ability to gain clear agreement and commitment from others by persuading, convincing and negotiating.
  • Ability to effectuate political acumen. Provide others with clear direction; motivate and empower.
  • Candidate will not be considered if they have been employed in *law enforcement or if they have *family members who have been employed in law enforcement, although familiarity with law enforcement processes will be considered.
  • Immediate Family Membermeans the spouse, parent (including a stepparent), child (including a stepchild), sister or brother (including a stepsister or stepbrother).
  • Law Enforcement means any state, county or local sworn officer, but does not include probation or correction officers, or military.

SALARY

Up to $164,902 annually. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The City contributes 8.5% of salary into 457/401(a) plans with no matching required. $5,220/annual car allowance and $1,440/annual cell phone allowance.

A comprehensive Executive benefits package is offered which includes:

Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions; choice of medical HMO, PPO, HSA/HDHP plan; wellness incentive of up to $720 annually; dental; vision; life insurance; long-term disability; medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan; bus/light rail pass; tuition reimbursement; paid time off includes 11.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, 15 sick days. For more details, visit: https://www.phoenix.gov/hrsite/Benefit%20Category/010.pdf.

The City encourages and will pay for membership into the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field is required.
  • Three (3) years of management level work experience, including supervisory experience, preferably experience with personnel related matters.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • In general, City of Phoenix residency is required within 24 months after the date of hire for newly hired executives, however exceptions may apply for current employees. For more details, visit: https://www.phoenix.gov/hr/who-apply/residency
  • Assistance for relocation costs and exploratory home search trips may be authorized for the successful candidate, however per IRS rules, relocation costs are considered to be income. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-reform-brings-changes-to-qualified-moving-expenses.
  • Works more than forty hours in a workweek without additional compensation to perform assigned job duties, including weekends, evenings, early morning hours, and holidays as required.
  • All finalists for positions are subject to a background check applicable to the department or position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS – The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:

  • Bi-lingual in Spanish
  • A Law Degree from an accredited college or university.

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes August 2, 2021. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

REFERENCE

OAT Director, JC: 06800, ID# 40209

Employment Type

Full-time

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