CIB Investigation Process

What is the Process of a Preliminary Investigation for a Complaint? 

• After the CIB has received a complaint, an investigator reviews the citizen’s allegations and determines the classification of the allegations and whether additional allegations are warranted. The investigator reviews relevant police department policies and procedures and the law.
• The investigator conducts a preliminary investigation.
• The preliminary investigation involves gathering all available documents and records related to the incident, requesting video and audio recordings, collecting witness information, and creating a plan to guide the investigation. 

What Happens During an Investigation?

• Investigations are the key component of CIB complaint process. Investigations are like assembling the pieces of a puzzle to get to the truth.
• During the investigation stage, CIB investigators interview the complainant (the person who filed the complaint), officers and any witnesses.
• Additional investigative documents and medical records are received, compiled and reviewed.
• The investigation continues where the evidence leads until every available piece of evidence is uncovered, provided and documented.
• It is essential to the proper decision of a complaint that citizens and officers provide all information during the course of the investigation. 

How is the Evidence Used in an Investigation?

• CIB complaint decisions are based on the available evidence provided by the complainant (the person who filed the complaint), police department, witnesses, and additional records and recordings provided by other parties.
• Evidence provided by the complainant, officers, police department, and witnesses may come in the form of testimonial and documentary evidence, including policies, procedures and training.
• This evidence is evaluated for truthfulness, accuracy, relevance, sufficiency, trustworthiness, bias, and qualification.
• The investigation seeks evidence that is relevant to the issue at hand and tends to prove or disprove the allegation (complaint) against an officer. The weight of the evidence allows the investigator and the Board to determine the facts.

How does the CIB Board Reach a Decision?

• The Board is comprised of community members with various backgrounds and experiences, reflecting the diversity of North Miami. 
• The Board’s review of the Investigator’s recommendation includes a review of the entire investigative file. The Board’s sustained decisions are based on the Preponderance of the Evidence standard, meaning at least 51% of the investigative evidence shows that the events more likely occurred than did not occur.
• The Board’s decision is the official decision of the CIB.
• Once the Board has decided on the complaint allegation, its decision is forwarded to the North Miami City Manager and Police Chief for a disciplinary decision.