The Thin(ner) Blue Line: Criminal Investigations Against Law Enforcement

In a post Ferguson and George Floyd world in policing, the call for police accountability and transparency has never been higher. Many agencies have designated units to investigate allegations against their own. Other agencies may have the state police or other outside authority come in to investigate. Whether you are tasked with investigating a law enforcement officer in your own agency, or from another agency, it is important to remain fair and impartial and remember that they are afforded the same rights as everyday citizens.

This course will cover the essentials of conducting investigations against law enforcement officers, emphasizing fairness, impartiality, and the importance of following legal protocols. Topics include understanding and implementing equity, diversity, and inclusion in investigations, the role of reporting and designating investigative authority, and the use of memorandums of understanding. Additional topics such as the chain of command, the application of Miranda v. Arizona, and the Garrity Rule will be discussed in detail. The course also includes practical aspects like interview and interrogation techniques, the use of forms, arrest procedures, media relations, and distinguishing between internal and criminal cases.

Key Topics Include:

• Chain of Command:
• Forms:
• Media Relations:
• Reporting:
• Interview Techniques:
• Internal Investigation V. Criminal Investigation:
• Miranda V. Arizona:
• Memorandum of Understanding:
• Designating An Investigative Authority:
• Arrest Procedures and Considerations:
• The Garrity Rule:
• And Much More...