Agency Attorney Level 4

The mission of the New York City Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in New York City by working in partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, protect the people, reduce fear, and maintain order. The NYPD strives to foster a safe and fair city by incorporating Neighborhood Policing into all facets of Department operations, and solve the problems that create crime and disorder through an interdependent relationship between the people and its police, and by pioneering strategic innovation.

The Legal Bureau provides legal guidance to the Police Department and is responsible for advising all members of the Department on all legal matters affecting the Department, including major criminal and civil litigation, and important legislative and judicial developments. The Bureau monitors and facilitates the relationship between the Department and the rest of the criminal justice system and assists members of the service in interpreting and enforcing state, federal, and local laws; ensures that the policies and practices of the department are lawful and are fairly applied; and develops legislation in accordance with the needs of the Department and public safety concerns.

The New York City Police Department's Legal Training Unit serves as the primary liaison with the NYPD Training Bureau. The Unit provides general and personalized training to uniformed members of the service on topics essential to crime fighting strategies as well as how to thoroughly prepare for delivering courtroom testimony. The Unit provides training to various investigative and operational commands and advises on criminal law as well as new legislation affecting uniformed members of the service.

The Legal Training Unit reports directly to the Legal Bureau - Executive Director, Investigative Support and Training. The Agency Attorney will represent the Department in a variety of legal matters and day-to-day duties will vary based on assignment. The agency attorney will:
- Advise members of the service on changes to relevant criminal laws and emerging trends.
- Provide Legal Advice to Department personnel on active criminal matters and investigations.
- In coordination with other unit members, communicate and coordinate with the NYPD Professional Standards Bureau in order to be made aware of compliance issues and tailor and enhance trainings accordingly.
- Liaise with personnel from the NYPD Training Bureau on training matters and be responsible for scheduling and conducting regular training sessions.
- Conduct legal research on laws and regulations relating to the Department.
- Recommend areas for policy improvement and risk management.
- Draft legal documents by researching applicable statutes, case law or other material to resolve legal questions/problems, interpret the intent and legal ramifications of laws, rules/regulations related to the Department.
- Provide guidance to other attorney staff members and support staff, including staff training on policy, practices and new procedures. Review case files and recommend follow up action.
- Supervise subordinate attorneys and review their work.

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087