Confidential Investigator

Position Summary
The City of Richmond—nestled on the eastern shores of the San Francisco Bay—is a vibrant and diverse community of 115,000 residents, known for its progressive values, beautiful shoreline, and strong commitment to equity and civic engagement. A full-service city with a workforce of over 800 and a general fund budget of $249 million, Richmond is proud of its bold efforts to advance transparency, inclusion, and community-centered governance.

Richmond is seeking an exceptional Confidential Investigator to support the City Council and the Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) in delivering accountability and integrity in policing practices. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned, ethical, and community-minded professional to play a pivotal role in strengthening trust between law enforcement and the public.

Richmond is seeking a principled, strategic, and community-minded professional who has a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. The ideal candidate is an experienced and ethical investigator with a proven ability to remain impartial while genuinely valuing the voices of underrepresented individuals impacted by injustice, while also recognizing the challenging and vital work of law enforcement. They will possess significant expertise in conducting civil, legal, administrative, or criminal investigations, along with a solid understanding of California laws, police practices, and civilian oversight frameworks. This individual will be a persuasive communicator with the ability to clearly and credibly present complex findings to diverse audiences. They are emotionally intelligent, culturally competent, and skilled at engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. In addition to strong analytical and writing skills, they have the foresight to identify systemic patterns, recommend meaningful reforms, and support data-informed policy changes that strengthen community trust and accountability.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in public administration, criminal justice, law, or a related field (an advanced or law degree is highly desirable), along with 4–6 years of experience conducting investigations, preferably involving law enforcement or oversight. Experience in a public sector or civilian oversight setting is a strong plus. Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

The annual salary range is $187,464 to $234,336, depending on qualifications, along with a competitive benefits package and a mission-driven, supportive work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the City Council, the Investigator supports the work of the CPRC by conducting independent, fair, and impartial investigations into citizen complaints involving Richmond Police Officers, in accordance with the requirements outlined in the City ordinance. This role demands the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, as the Investigator prepares public reports, recommends policy changes based on investigative trends, and leads public outreach to ensure the community is informed and empowered to engage with the complaint process.

The Investigator also provides critical training to CPRC members and reviews best practices from other municipalities to ensure that Richmond remains at the forefront of effective and equitable civilian oversight. This is not just an investigative role—it’s a leadership opportunity to shape systems that advance fairness and justice for all Richmond residents.

How to Apply
The recruitment is being conducted regionally by The Byers Group. First consideration will be given to applications received by July 25, 2025. To apply, please submit your resume and a letter of interest to investigator@byersgroupca.com. In your letter, please describe why you are interested in this role, share two examples of relevant accomplishments, and highlight the key attributes you would bring to this position.

Confidential inquiries are welcome and may be directed to Ms. Brett Byers at brett@byersgroupca.com or 323-403-8279, or Ms. Christine Boulware at christine@byersgroupca.com or 312-391-6098. The full leadership profile is available at www.byersgroupca.com. To learn more about the City of Richmond, please visit www.ci.richmond.ca.us.

The City of Richmond is an EEO/ADA employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.