Police Oversight Policy Analyst

Overview

The City of Austin’s Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is seeking a Police Oversight Policy Analyst.

This is a research- and writing-heavy position that will require the ability to present complex findings to non-technical audiences. Applicants hired for this position will work with the Policy & Research Division of the Office of Police Oversight (OPO). Police Oversight Policy Analysts at OPO utilize expertise in policy research and analysis methodologies to assess the Austin Police Department’s current policies, practices, and training and inform recommendations for improvement. Police Oversight Policy Analysts regularly communicate findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders and must be familiar and comfortable with presenting complex information to various audiences in various formats. Additionally, they must be prepared to field questions related to the information presented.

Our Mission

The mission of OPO is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department’s (APD) conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency, and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community. When people have concerns or complaints about potential police misconduct, those concerns need to be heard, investigated, and resolved. At OPO, everything we do is to promote an atmosphere of earned trust between Austinites and APD.

Successful candidates must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

Assessment:

An assessment will be administered as part of the interview process. Prior to first-round interviews, all candidates will be expected to submit a professional writing sample from past employment. The writing sample must be an example of the candidate’s individual work. Group projects will not be accepted. Candidates who fail to complete this assessment will not move forward in the hiring process.

Hours & Location

Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Evenings and weekends may be required based on business and operational needs.

1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754

Depending on business needs, telework up to two days a week may be possible after the successful completion of a six-month training period.

Minimum Qualifications

- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to the job, plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to the job, including one (1) year in conducting and presenting complex legal and policy research.

- Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for the required experience up to one (1) year.

Preferred Experience:

- Demonstrated experience conducting legal research and analyses involving case law, statutes, and local laws to inform recommendations

- Skilled use of mixed methods research designs

- Experience working in civilian oversight of law enforcement

- Experience working in local government

- Experience working on cross-functional teams to develop and implement policy projects

- Previous experience developing, implementing, and reporting on equity-related policy projects

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

- Knowledge of business strategies, objectives, planning, development and management processes and process improvement.

- Knowledge of research methodologies, cost/benefit analysis, statistics and financial modeling.

- Knowledge of applicable City of Austin, state and federal statutes, ordinances and codes.

- Knowledge of performance measures, quality improvement programs and project management methods.

- Skill in oral and written communication using a variety of formats including: print communication, electronic format, presentations and telephonic.

- Skill in using computers and related software applications

- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

- Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular data and situations.

- Ability to work independently and with teams.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

1. Assists in planning, executing and closing projects in a variety of operational and/or administrative situations related to specific assignments/areas.

2. Develops and maintains databases to support data analysis and research findings for business projects.

3. Assists in preparation of recommendations for implementation of new or revised policies, procedures, and/or process changes/improvements.

4. Write reports that summarize findings, data collection techniques, implementation options, etc.

5. Establishes project schedules using project planning software/tools, updates and maintains project status reports. Communicate project/process status.

6. Conduct research, analyze trends, determine accuracy and relevancy of data/information, and use sounds judgment to evaluate alternatives.

7. Facilitates and documents meetings, action items, and processes using flow-charting methodologies.

8. Maintains positive working relationships with managers, supervisors, employees and other stakeholders to gain their cooperation and support.

Responsibilities – Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised: None.

Pay Range

$30.14 - 37.68 per hour

EEO/ADA

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or TTY (512) 974-2445.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.