In 1985, a group of law enforcement members assigned to Internal Affairs Sections in North Carolina met to discuss mutual problems and future requirements of our profession. From the earlier meetings, a formal association was created in 1986. The association was named the North Carolina Internal Affairs Investigators Association.
In 1987 several southeastern states made inquiry into the Association's meetings. A decision was made by the members on the N.C.I.A.I.A. to open its membership to other internal Affairs Sections throughout the country. A new constitution was written and ratified in late 1987 and the newly formed National Internal Affairs Investigators Association was created. Since that time, several annual and regional meetings have been held. The association continues to grow and prosper.
In October 1993 at the annual conference in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, the membership voted unanimously to form the National Internal Affairs Investigators Association.
A constitution with objectives and by-laws was ratified on June 4, 1986. The purpose of the National Internal Affairs Investigators Association is to:
- Develop and establish professional standards of performance and integrity for Internal Affairs investigators.
- To provide training to bring about professional growth and development of investigators
- To present a forum for discussion of common problems and current court decisions
- To gather and disseminate information regarding improved administrative and technical practices
- To assist law enforcement agencies in the founding and development of Internal Affairs Investigative units as needed
- To foster cooperation and the exchange of information, and experience among Internal Affairs investigators and experts in the field of such investigations
Today the National Internal Affairs Investigators Association is a growing professional association of internal affairs investigators from departments from throughout the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada.
I am in the last year of my presidency of this great organization. The opportunity to serve in the capacity as President has given me the opportunity to work with officers in this great country. Corresponding with other nations has been an eye opener. On an international basis police departments have the same problems we do. Members of the organization have talked with officers that are/were the topic of an Internal Investigation. We have counseled with them and in most cases gave them reassurances that they would be treated fairly.
I have seen a change over the past ten years in the way we handle investigations. IA investigators are probably more cognizant of the health and well being of the officer than any other member of the department. We are training folks to understand the pressures that officers are under and how to deal with a stressful situation for all. Several of our members and I have been working with the International Chiefs of Police, Community Oriented Policing Services, and other professionals from across the country make investigations more transparent to the public and our fellow officers. I commend the International Chiefs of Police and Community Oriented Policing Services for taking this on in such a professional manner.
This year I had the opportunity to be the object of an Internal Investigation. I know now what it is like to have Garrity read to me. (I had to type out my own waiver but, what the heck). It was not a pleasant experience. In all fairness to the department it had to be done. I was exonerated as are 99.9% of officers are in cases.
This takes us back to the NIAIA. I am not the only one to receive these phone calls. I am not the only one that folks reach out to during an investigation for advice. We have people go to the website where they find a contact in their area to talk with. We have investigators that are willing to go out of their way to help.
So, if you need advice, counseling, or just need information check the NIAIA website for a contact. We are at www.niaia.org or, you can reach me at [email protected] . In addition we offer a newsletter to agencies that provides news articles about officer misconduct and legal update on internal affairs issues. There is no charge for this service and anyone that is a certified officer may receive the letter.
I wish you all great holiday season from the NIAIA, Officer.com, and my family. Blessings to all of you and please take care.
