Instead, the second investigator had to take extra time to familiarize himself with the case sufficiently to write the overall summary. Even if the second investigator had a heavy caseload, he or the IAD commander should have moved this case up to priority status since it required so little to close it out. Because of the months-long delay, the complainant and the officer had to wait that much longer for closure. And, had the second investigator determined that further interviews or evidence were required, the delay could have created a significant problem. Quality Cases completed by IAD investigators are of consistently sound quality.
Problems obtaining medical releases in an effective and timely fashion seem to be better addressed.
IAD investigators obtain releases at the outset of the investigation, and the intake worksheets have been modified to include a release checklist. Jensen has conducted several training sessions with precinct-level investigators and provides ongoing feedback. The quality of cases conducted in the precincts are noticeably improving. We note fewer cases with informational gaps. Proper investigative procedures are being followed more consistently and the inclusion of personal opinions in investigative reports seems to be a thing of the past.