DIRECTOR OF INVESTIGATIONS - COPA

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Director of Investigations

Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)

Policy, Research, and Analysis Division

Number of Positions: 1

(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $119,472

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CST on 11/05/2026

Under general direction, directs an assigned investigative unit and/or investigative function of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), and performs related duties as required

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directs investigations into patterns of complaints against Chicago Police Department Police Officers
• Coordinates with intake and other investigative teams, manages investigation plans, supervises unit personnel, and communicates instructions to investigative and analytics staff
• Assigns roles in pattern or practice investigation teams; monitors the activity and review of selective case files and investigative reports to ensure objectivity and thoroughness
• Meets with unit staff and investigators to monitor the progress of investigations, data management, analysis, and reporting tasks, and ensures timely completion of work
• Reviews analysis and investigation files upon completion of preliminary investigation and/or prior to the closing of cases to ensure that all appropriate investigatory steps have been taken and that the investigatory findings are consistent with the evidence gathered
• Manages communications, collaborations, and relationships with citywide stakeholders
• Directs the completion of data requests, data summaries, and reoccurring data reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Guides the development of recommendations for changes to relevant Chicago Police Department policies, practices, collective bargaining agreements, programs, and training
• Engages internally with agency staff to understand their policy, data, and research needs, and coordinate responsive projects and actions
• Prepares management reports on the unit activities
• Maintains open and effective communication with police units, outside law enforcement agencies, outside police oversight bodies, Illinois State Police, and Corporation Counsel to facilitate COPA investigations and remain abreast of current investigative practices
• Meets with Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, FBI, U.S. Attorney, and other prosecutorial agencies, as appropriate, for purposes of referring matters for criminal prosecution
• Evaluates team members pursuant to COPA’s performance evaluation system
• Reviews and approves investigative reports, as needed
• Ability to participate in and support the on-call rotation as needed.
• Performs special research or specialized activities at the request of the Chief Administrator, as required

Additional duties may be required for this position

Location:        COPA

Address:        1615 W Chicago Avenue

Days:              Monday – Friday

Hours:            9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CAREER SERVICE