What is the purpose of an Internal Affairs Investigation after an OIS?

The purpose of an Internal Affairs Investigation after an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) is primarily to assess policy violations and equipment performance. This type of investigation is crucial for maintaining accountability within the police department and ensuring that officers adhere to established protocols and use their equipment correctly during high-stress situations.

During an Internal Affairs Investigation, the focus is on whether the officer followed the department's policies, training, and standard operating procedures when the shooting occurred. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the equipment used, such as weapons and body cameras, to determine if any failures contributed to the incident. This process helps to identify areas for improvement and reinforce the importance of adherence to proper conduct, ultimately promoting transparency and rebuilding public trust in law enforcement agencies.

In contrast, determining criminal charges against the officer is typically handled through a separate criminal investigation, and public opinion may be gauged through community outreach or media reports, but is not the focus of an Internal Affairs investigation. Providing mental health support for the officer is important and may be a part of the overall response, but it is not the primary goal of an Internal Affairs investigation in the context of an OIS.