Building a Defensible Investigation Process

Understand when an Internal Affairs investigation is required, how to properly classify cases, and how to define scope early to avoid common missteps that create liability or credibility issues.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Identify the most frequent mistakes that undermine investigations, including inconsistent handling, poor documentation, and breakdowns in investigator roles or boundaries.

Managing the Investigation Lifecycle

Walk through the full investigative process, including intake, interviews, documentation, timelines, Garrity considerations, and properly closing and communicating case outcomes.

About the Course

Internal Affairs investigations are among the most critical and scrutinized functions within a law enforcement agency. The way these cases are handled directly impacts officer morale, organizational credibility, public trust, and legal exposure. This course provides a practical, experience-driven approach to conducting and overseeing Internal Affairs investigations. Rather than focusing on theory alone, the training is grounded in real-world application, common challenges, and proven best practices drawn from actual cases. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to manage investigations from initial complaint through final disposition, with an emphasis on consistency, defensibility, and sound decision-making. This course walks participants step-by-step through the Internal Affairs process, focusing on practical execution and decision-making at each stage. Key topics include: - When an Internal Affairs investigation is required and when it is not - Common mistakes that undermine investigations and agency credibility - Proper case intake, classification, and scope control - Investigator roles, responsibilities, and professional boundaries - Interview considerations for complainants, witnesses, and employees - Documentation standards and report writing expectations - Managing timelines, Garrity considerations, and due process requirements - Closing cases and communicating outcomes appropriately The instruction is designed to be immediately applicable, helping agencies improve consistency, reduce risk, and strengthen the integrity of their professional standards process. Target Audience - First-line supervisors - Command staff - Internal Affairs investigators - Professional standards personnel The material is relevant to agencies of all sizes and is grounded in current policy considerations, case law, and best practices used by modern professional standards units.

Rick Courtemanche

Mr. Courtemanche is a Florida attorney with over 30 years of legal experience and more than 20 years in law enforcement at both the state and local level. He served for 15 years as Assistant City Attorney and Police Legal Advisor to the Tallahassee Police Department. He also spent six years as Assistant General Counsel with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, where he prosecuted disciplinary cases for the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Earlier in his career, he worked as a felony prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office in Tallahassee. For more than two decades, he has instructed law enforcement professionals on Internal Affairs investigations and officer-involved shootings. He has presented for the FDLE Executive Institute, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Savant Learning Systems, Training Force USA, and numerous colleges, police departments, and sheriff’s offices across Florida. He holds degrees from Florida State University and the University of Alabama School of Law.

Course Curriculum

5 Chapters · 6 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction to Internal Affairs

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Investigation Lifecycle

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Internal Affairs & Management Responsibilities

  2. 2

    10 Considerations for IA Investigations

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      10 Considerations for IA Investigations

  3. 3

    Conducting Investigations

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Employee Expectations and Privacy

  4. 4

    Officer Involved Shootings

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Officer Involved Shootings

  5. 5

    Closing and Communicating Outcomes

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Conclusion

Ready to Master Internal Affairs Investigations?

Enroll now to gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex investigations with confidence.

$215.00

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