Commanders of investigative units within the Saint Paul Police Department Major Crimes Division shall report directly to the deputy chief of the major crimes division and shall have complete responsibility for the operation of their specific unit.
Commander Duties:
- Commanders shall lead by example, setting high standards for professionalism and accountability.
- Commanding officers should continually look to those subordinates needing training and experience with various cases in order to enhance their professional development.
- Responsible for the clearance of a specific class of crimes by the arrest of the perpetrator, the successful prosecution of criminal cases, and the recovery of stolen property and its return to rightful owners.
- Supplement direct supervision of their personnel by analyzing the reports of individual investigators. Commanders are responsible to operate their unit efficiently and to maintain close cooperation and professional relations between their unit and other department units.
- Responsible for the successful completion of the investigation of all crimes that are assigned to their unit. Commanders shall require their subordinates to exert their best efforts in the investigation of such crimes and clearance by arrest.
- Responsible for the complete, accurate, and prompt preparation of reports by their subordinates.
- Instruct the personnel under their command in the collection, identification, and preservation of evidence. Commanders must ensure that there is an appropriate chain of custody of all evidence and that this chain of custody can be established in court through officer testimony and department records.
- Ensure the investigative workload is equitably distributed among individual investigators and according to investigative acumen, skills and demonstrated proficiencies commensurate with specific case requirements to ensure assignment of the most qualified investigator.
- Make regular checks on the activities and efficiency of the investigators assigned to their unit and make recommendations where necessary.
- Hold regular meetings with their subordinates to discuss current problems and conditions affecting their unit and formulate plans and procedures designed to increase their effectiveness.
- Manage resources and investigations by analyzing statistical data and be well versed in crime patterns and trends as appropriate to the unit’s functions.
- Require investigators to give special attention to professional criminals and to use every legal means to convict them of their offenses and to suppress their criminal activities.
- Ensure that officers in their command comply with all department rules, regulations and procedures.
- Prepare service ratings, vacation schedules and work schedules for the members of their unit.
- Maintain good relations with the public.
- Respond to community concerns and speak at community forums as required.
- Make certain the reports submitted by investigators contain the names of members of the uniformed force or others who give assistance.
- Assist other jurisdictions and maintain proper relations with outside law enforcement agencies.
- Review requests by investigators under their command for polygraph examinations.
- Manage the appearance of personnel under their command according to department standards.
- Train subordinates and take an interest in the career development of those in their command.
- Manage resources and investigations by analytical methods to determine crime patterns and trends.
- Manage investigations to ensure to avoid conflict with other units.
Updated February 1, 2019