Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the role of the IAS in relation to other sections during complaint investigations?
What is the role of the IAS in relation to other sections during complaint investigations?
- The IAS will conduct all complaint investigations independently.
- The IAS will lead all intra-departmental investigations regardless of request.
- The IAS shall provide assistance to other divisions when requested. (correct)
- The IAS can refuse to assist other sections if the complaint is minor.
What criteria governs the retention of complete records of investigations performed by the IAS?
What criteria governs the retention of complete records of investigations performed by the IAS?
- Records are only kept if the investigation results in a disciplinary action.
- Records must be retained following State of Florida General Records Schedule GS2 guidelines. (correct)
- Records are retained indefinitely without exception.
- Records are stored in a public database accessible by anyone.
How can a person gain access to reviewed completed cases according to the given regulations?
How can a person gain access to reviewed completed cases according to the given regulations?
- Access is granted without any application process.
- Only law enforcement personnel can request access.
- Anyone can apply to the IAS Commander and pay reasonable fees for copies. (correct)
- Complaints must be unresolved to access the records.
What action must the IAS Commander take upon receiving a serious complaint against the department or its employees?
What action must the IAS Commander take upon receiving a serious complaint against the department or its employees?
Under what conditions can affected employees obtain copies of audio recorded statements?
Under what conditions can affected employees obtain copies of audio recorded statements?
Which of the following statements regarding 'Shift Level "S" Cases' is true?
Which of the following statements regarding 'Shift Level "S" Cases' is true?
Who is considered a Principal Employee in the context of an investigation?
Who is considered a Principal Employee in the context of an investigation?
What action is required when a Garrity Statement is utilized?
What action is required when a Garrity Statement is utilized?
In the context of employee complaints, what characterizes Routine Discipline Complaints?
In the context of employee complaints, what characterizes Routine Discipline Complaints?
Which of the following accurately describes who qualifies as a Witness Employee?
Which of the following accurately describes who qualifies as a Witness Employee?
What is the primary goal of the Internal Affairs Section (IAS) in relation to allegations of misconduct?
What is the primary goal of the Internal Affairs Section (IAS) in relation to allegations of misconduct?
Which entity authorizes the Internal Affairs Section to initiate investigations?
Which entity authorizes the Internal Affairs Section to initiate investigations?
Which types of complaints is the Internal Affairs Section responsible for accepting?
Which types of complaints is the Internal Affairs Section responsible for accepting?
What does the IAS provide to complainants at the time a complaint is filed?
What does the IAS provide to complainants at the time a complaint is filed?
How does the IAS ensure citizens are informed about the complaint investigation process?
How does the IAS ensure citizens are informed about the complaint investigation process?
What must be included in the case file during the complainant notification process?
What must be included in the case file during the complainant notification process?
What is required of the investigator upon completing an investigation?
What is required of the investigator upon completing an investigation?
Which of the following is NOT a violation that IAS will investigate?
Which of the following is NOT a violation that IAS will investigate?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Internal Affairs Section?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Internal Affairs Section?
What document is made available at all police stations related to the complaint process?
What document is made available at all police stations related to the complaint process?
Who is responsible for monitoring the quality of 'S' case investigations?
Who is responsible for monitoring the quality of 'S' case investigations?
Which types of complaints are excluded from the complainant notification process?
Which types of complaints are excluded from the complainant notification process?
What format should the complainant notification process documentation be in?
What format should the complainant notification process documentation be in?
What action must the 'S' case supervisor-investigator take upon discovering serious information?
What action must the 'S' case supervisor-investigator take upon discovering serious information?
Which of the following results in an 'S' case designation?
Which of the following results in an 'S' case designation?
How are IAS complaints tracked to their final disposition?
How are IAS complaints tracked to their final disposition?
What is the primary purpose of investigating complaints within the Miami Police Department according to the policy?
What is the primary purpose of investigating complaints within the Miami Police Department according to the policy?
Which section is primarily vested with the authority to conduct internal investigations within the Miami Police Department?
Which section is primarily vested with the authority to conduct internal investigations within the Miami Police Department?
What must employees do when ordered by an IAS investigator during an internal investigation?
What must employees do when ordered by an IAS investigator during an internal investigation?
Which of the following statements accurately represents employee responsibilities during an internal investigation?
Which of the following statements accurately represents employee responsibilities during an internal investigation?
What kind of access do IAS investigators have while conducting investigations?
What kind of access do IAS investigators have while conducting investigations?
What must IAS investigators NOT be required to do when receiving documents during an investigation?
What must IAS investigators NOT be required to do when receiving documents during an investigation?
According to departmental responsibilities, what must every employee do regarding allegations of misconduct?
According to departmental responsibilities, what must every employee do regarding allegations of misconduct?
Which legal precedent or statute emphasizes employee cooperation during an investigation?
Which legal precedent or statute emphasizes employee cooperation during an investigation?
What should an MPD employee do if a person inquires about the complaint process?
What should an MPD employee do if a person inquires about the complaint process?
In what circumstance can a complaint still be recorded even if the complainant refuses to identify themselves?
In what circumstance can a complaint still be recorded even if the complainant refuses to identify themselves?
What must be done if a complainant cannot complete the IAS Intake Form due to a language barrier?
What must be done if a complainant cannot complete the IAS Intake Form due to a language barrier?
What is the primary purpose of encouraging public complaints against employees?
What is the primary purpose of encouraging public complaints against employees?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the on-duty lieutenant upon receiving a serious complaint?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the on-duty lieutenant upon receiving a serious complaint?
What should the Citizen Complaint Process avoid doing to complainants?
What should the Citizen Complaint Process avoid doing to complainants?
What happens when a complainant is physically unable to fill out the IAS Intake Form?
What happens when a complainant is physically unable to fill out the IAS Intake Form?
What type of complaints must be reported to the on-call IAS investigator immediately?
What type of complaints must be reported to the on-call IAS investigator immediately?
What is included in the case file folder prepared for an IAS administrative complaint investigation?
What is included in the case file folder prepared for an IAS administrative complaint investigation?
Which document is NOT required to be included in the case file folder of an IAS investigation?
Which document is NOT required to be included in the case file folder of an IAS investigation?
What is the primary responsibility of IAS regarding the complaint process?
What is the primary responsibility of IAS regarding the complaint process?
What is the primary responsibility of a complaint investigator in relation to the 180 Day Rule?
What is the primary responsibility of a complaint investigator in relation to the 180 Day Rule?
How soon must IAS send the 'S' Case investigation case file folder to the Unit Commander after receiving the complaint?
How soon must IAS send the 'S' Case investigation case file folder to the Unit Commander after receiving the complaint?
What must the IAS Administrative Sergeant do upon receiving a complaint form?
What must the IAS Administrative Sergeant do upon receiving a complaint form?
Which of the following is a necessary action for obtaining physical evidence during an investigation?
Which of the following is a necessary action for obtaining physical evidence during an investigation?
What happens if a complaint does not require further action?
What happens if a complaint does not require further action?
What must a complaint investigator examine and retain concerning outside agencies?
What must a complaint investigator examine and retain concerning outside agencies?
Within what time frame will the IAS send the 'Notice of Receipt to Complainant' letter?
Within what time frame will the IAS send the 'Notice of Receipt to Complainant' letter?
What is included in the 'Status Report' letter sent to the complainant?
What is included in the 'Status Report' letter sent to the complainant?
What is the purpose of completing a Criminal/Administrative Investigation Checklist by a complaint investigator?
What is the purpose of completing a Criminal/Administrative Investigation Checklist by a complaint investigator?
What type of information must be included in the complainant identification section of the case file?
What type of information must be included in the complainant identification section of the case file?
How soon after investigation completion must a 'Notification of Disposition' letter be sent?
How soon after investigation completion must a 'Notification of Disposition' letter be sent?
What is the purpose of the complaint form (RF# 121)?
What is the purpose of the complaint form (RF# 121)?
What action is required if violations are identified after a complaint has been categorized as 'No Further Action Needed'?
What action is required if violations are identified after a complaint has been categorized as 'No Further Action Needed'?
Who is responsible for preparing the 'Status Report' letter?
Who is responsible for preparing the 'Status Report' letter?
What does the complaint form (RF# 121) need to include when further action is not required?
What does the complaint form (RF# 121) need to include when further action is not required?
Study Notes
Internal Affairs Section Overview
- The Internal Affairs Section (IAS) investigates misconduct allegations against Miami Police Department (MPD) personnel to maintain integrity while protecting innocent employees from false allegations.
- The IAS is empowered by the Chief of Police (COP) to initiate investigations, provide assistance across all divisions, and handle complaints originating from any source.
Policies and Organization
- The IAS accepts and processes all citizen complaints, including anonymous ones, and provides necessary forms in English, Spanish, and Creole.
- Employees are required to cooperate with IAS investigations, following specific legal protections under Florida law and related court rulings.
- Notifications of serious complaints against employees must be made immediately to the COP.
Procedures for Complaint Handling
- Complaints must be documented and recorded in a formal complaint form for proper processing.
- Complainants receive updates regarding complaint receipts, investigation statuses, and final dispositions with specific timelines for notification.
- Anonymous complaints are recorded and investigated, ensuring no intimidation exists for complainants.
Investigative Responsibilities
- The IAS is responsible for investigating serious allegations including criminal conduct, substance abuse, misuse of force, and employee arrests.
- Minor complaints may be handled by the relevant unit supervisor without engaging the IAS unless identified to be of a more serious nature during preliminary assessment.
- Each investigation must adhere to detailed documentation and timelines, including the maintenance of case files with comprehensive evidence and reports.
Record Retention and Access
- IAS maintains complete investigative records per Florida's General Records Schedule, ensuring confidentiality and security in storage.
- Closed cases and administrative reports are subject to public records law, allowing access through requests for inspection and copies.
Case File Management
- Investigative case files must include various documentation like complaint forms, notification letters, and relevant internal reports.
- Effective tracking of complaint cases is mandated through the MPD electronic system, overseeing the progression until final resolution.
Notifications and Communication
- The complainant is notified through certified mail at critical stages: upon receipt, status updates after 45 days, and final results within 14 days of investigation completion.
- Documentation of each notification must be chronologically maintained in the case file.
False Allegations and Accountability
- The MPD encourages legitimate complaints but will address false allegations against employees, holding responsible parties accountable for malicious claims.
Definitions of Key Terminology
- Employee: Includes both sworn and civilian personnel of the City of Miami.
- Principal Employee: The individual under investigation.
- Witness Employee: An individual not under investigation but may provide relevant information.
- Shift Level “S” Cases: Complaints of minor nature that do not require extensive IAS involvement.
This structure emphasizes the significance of due process, thorough documentation, and the commitment of the IAS to uphold ethical standards while ensuring proper conduct within the Miami Police Department.
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Description
Explore the essential policies guiding the Internal Affairs Section of the Miami Police Department. This quiz delves into the procedures for investigating allegations of misconduct while safeguarding the reputation of innocent personnel. It's critical for understanding police department integrity and operational effectiveness.
