Deputy Director of Police Certification

Company: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Location: Boston
Posted on: January 26, 2025

Job Description:

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Job Title: Deputy Director of Police Certification (24000B0Y)
Reports to: Director of Police Certification
OVERVIEW OF THE AGENCY AND THE POSITION
The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission is an independent agency that oversees law enforcement departments and officers throughout the Commonwealth. The Commission is charged with the following:

• Establishing certification standards for law enforcement departments and officers;
  
• Determining whether those standards have been met;
  
• Developing regulations and policies governing law enforcement;
  
• Decertifying, suspending, or ordering retraining for officers who commit misconduct or otherwise fail to satisfy requirements;
  
• Maintaining, analyzing, and disseminating information regarding law enforcement; and
  
• Conducting investigations, adjudicatory proceedings, and public hearings regarding such matters.
  
  The POST Commission is governed by, and enforces, Chapter 6E of the Massachusetts General Laws. Pursuant to that statute, the Commission collaborates with the Commonwealth's Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) in several areas of its work.
  The POST Commission is looking for a talented individual to join as the Deputy Director of Police Certification. The Certification Division is responsible for the overall process of certifying all law enforcement officers and law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth, subject to the approval of the POST Commission.
  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  Under the guidance of the Director of Police Certification, the Deputy Director will play a key role in developing and managing operations within the Division of Police Certification. This includes close collaboration with the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) and other external stakeholders to provide strategic leadership and support on certification matters for law enforcement agencies and officers. The Deputy Director will oversee the work of Senior Certification Specialists, ensuring effective training and the development of policies and processes. Additionally, they will collaborate with Certification Data Analysts to ensure data accuracy and the creation of detailed reports.
  The Deputy Director will be responsible for maintaining and updating all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect current division practices accurately. They will also ensure that officers' histories are accurately documented in internal systems, contributing to comprehensive and reliable record-keeping.
  Key responsibilities include participating in the review and decision-making process for officer certification, as well as drafting and reviewing official communications. The Deputy Director will foster and maintain professional relationships with Chiefs of Police Departments, other related agencies, and individual officers, facilitating clear and effective communication.
  Moreover, the Deputy Director will oversee the development and maintenance of a public, searchable database containing law enforcement officer records. This role requires a combination of strategic senior management duties and practical, day-to-day operational responsibilities, including the timely updating and reporting of data from management systems.
  Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  
  
• Collaborate with the Director on daily operational activities.
  
• Attend and actively participate in meetings as needed.
  
• Coordinate with the Division of Police Standards to align objectives and procedures.
  
• Prepare and present case information for the Executive Director's review.
  
• Contribute to the creation and management of databases ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and maintaining accurate records for each certified law enforcement officer, as stipulated in sections 4(f)(2) and 4(h) of Chapter 6E.
  
• Stay informed about current certification standards and best practices within the Commonwealth and other states, particularly those with police certification agencies.
  
• Continuously review, analyze, and update certification standards, evaluate law enforcement agency policies, and recommend necessary guidance, clarifications, or improvements.
  
• Actively participate in developing and implementing regulations related to certification standards.
  
• Generate reports and projections to communicate the status and effectiveness of processes, and present findings to the Commission.
  
• Collaborate with the Director of Police Standards to manage and maintain law enforcement officers' disciplinary records, including complaints, investigations, and agency dispositions, as required by POST.
  
  INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING
  To be considered for the position, apply through MassCareers by February 14, 2025, and include a cover letter and a resume. If you are interested in multiple positions that have been posted by the POST Commission, you are encouraged to apply for all such positions.
  Applications submitted after the date set forth above will be considered at the discretion of the POST Commission. The POST Commission reserves the ability to refrain from considering any application that is submitted after that date or omits a required item.
  SALARY RANGE
  Commensurate with experience.
  COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS
  When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
  The POST Commission is committed to building a diverse staff across its entire agency and at all levels. The Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
  It is the policy of the POST Commission and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state, or local law. Females, minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and those who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive are strongly encouraged to apply.
  NOTICE OF REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK - INCLUDING TAX COMPLIANCE
  The POST Commission requires a background check on all prospective employees as a condition of employment.
  Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such a background check is not initiated until:
  

• 
  
• A candidate is invited to a second or subsequent interview, and
  
• The candidate has signed the Background Check Authorization Form and related releases.
  
  This background check includes a check of Criminal Offender Record Information, and Massachusetts Department of Revenue tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment.
  Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified. Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted while a full background and qualification check is completed.
  REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
  
  • 
    
  • College degree, JD Degree desired but not required.
    
  • Minimum of 5 years' experience in a management position.
    
  • Supervisory experience is preferred.
    
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills and experience working in cross-functional teams.
    
  • Excellent writing skills.
    
  • Experience in policy development.
    
  • The ability to mentor and train others.
    
  • Proficiency with MS Office Products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
    
  • Comfortable working in a start-up environment.
    
  • Familiarity with development efforts of technology tools and design and/or implementation of optimal workflows.
    
  • Proven ability to handle (receive, produce, maintain, and safeguard) highly confidential and sensitive information and a very high level of discretion.
    
  • Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
    
  • Appreciation of the value of diversity and inclusion, and the importance of interacting respectfully and sensitively with people of different backgrounds.
    
  • Experience and/or strong familiarity with law enforcement, law enforcement policies and procedures, and police training.
    
  • Must be able to work independently.
    
  • Appreciation for and commitment to the mission of the POST Commission.
    
  • A willingness and ability to report to work in the POST Commission's Boston office two days per week and when called upon to do so.
    
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Keywords: Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Newton , Deputy Director of Police Certification, Executive , Boston, Massachusetts