With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

The Managing Director manages and oversees the operations of the City. Working with five Cabinet-level Deputies, operational oversight is divided into specific departmental clusters: Health and Human Services, Community and Culture, Community Services, Public Safety and Criminal Justice, and Transportation and Infrastructure. The Managing Director’s Office also houses various commissions and taskforces, such as the Police Advisory Commission.

What We Offer:

  Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 

  Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 

  Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The Police Advisory Commission (PAC) is charged with assessing the policy practices and customs of the Philadelphia Police Department.  The PAC advises the managing Director and the Police Commissioner on existing policy and proposed revisions with a focus on maximizing trust between the Police and the communities they serve.  

In June 2021, Mayor Kenney signed legislation to authorize the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) to become a new, independent civilian oversight agency. The CPOC will expand on the PAC’s capacity and authority, and PAC operations will continue as the transition to CPOC occurs. New staff will be hired into the PAC and will transition with their positions into the CPOC. For more information on the future operations of the CPOC, see the signed legislation here: https://phila.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9467893&GUID=C6A211CE-2B2B-4E88-9228-0FE869592D03

The Investigator/Senior Investigator for the Police Advisory Commission will help to lead the commission in the investigation and assessment of citizen complaints against members of the Philadelphia Police Department. This position reports to the Executive Director with wide latitude for independent judgement. Position title is commensurate with experience.

Essentials Functions

Note: This list of essential functions is not intended to be inclusive.

• Conduct interviews of complainants and civilian witnesses about police incidents that are the subject of civilian complaints against police.  
• Gather evidence through canvassing for witnesses, seeking out video footage, and other means.
• Obtain and review documentary evidence related to incidents under investigation, including medical records, reports related to forensic analysis, and other police reports and documents.
• Interview police personnel as subjects and witnesses of complaints with union representation present.
• Draft and edit reports of investigation, interview summaries, recommendations, and other materials related to investigations.
• Analyze facts of investigations against police policies and legal standards to make logically sound recommendations about whether misconduct occurred.
• Sensitively conduct complaint intake for new complaints and make referrals to outside agencies as needed.
• Identify and report on policy and tactics issues and potential large-scale policy projects as they arise in investigative work. 
• Maintain a working knowledge of Police Department policies, rules, and practices.
• Assist with critical incident reviews of uses of force, large-scale events, and other matters as directed by Executive Director.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and other agency management to build the policies and practices of the CPOC Investigations Unit.
• Maintain a thorough and organized record of investigative actions for each investigation.
• Seek out and participate in professional groups and trainings to maintain awareness of best practices related to community-police relations, civilian oversight of police, and police reform nationally.
• Develop, initiate, and maintain strategies and tactics to complete objectives and goals defined by the Commission and its mission.
• Coordinate closely with the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director to carry out the functions of the Commission.
• Provide guidance to the Executive team, as needed, regarding best practices and trends in community-police relations and police reform nationally and locally. 
• Help to maintain transparency between the Commission, the Police Department, elected officials, and the public.
• Attend Police Department hearings and interviews to monitor complaint cases.
• Assist in the preparation of an annual report setting out the Commission’s accomplishments, reports, and activities.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent oral communication and listening skills with the ability to conduct exhaustive interviews and ask probing questions.
• Strong analytical writing skills and editing skills. Must be able to distill complex information.
• Thorough understanding of and experience with the complex nature of community-police relations. 
• Ability to manage an investigation from start to finish with focus, organization, persistence, and flexibility.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to evaluate investigations to ensure fact-finding is thorough and conclusions are sound.
• Demonstrated ability to perform neutral and objective analyses of incidents, policies, and information.
• Curious about legal issues surrounding policing and police department procedures.
• Values and encourages diversity of thought, background, and perspective.
• Experience and fluency in MS Office software programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented; committed to building strong working relationships and a positive work environment. 
• Receptive to feedback and constructive criticism.  

• Bachelor’s degree required, or any combination of education and experience deem appropriate by the appointing authority.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant combined education and/or experience in a related field
• Familiarity with criminal justice procedures, investigative techniques, police-community relations, police procedures generally and procedures of the Philadelphia Police Department.
• Experience working with sensitive and confidential information.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia and communities of Philadelphia a plus.

Additional Information

Salary: $70-80k

Please include a resume and cover letter and brief writing sample with your application.

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available 

Please include a resume and cover letter and brief writing sample with your application.

As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated. 

*Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected]. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx