Title
Police Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Process Briefing
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on police officer-involved critical incident investigations processes.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive the briefing on police officer-involved critical incident investigations processes.
Staff Contact:
Margo Morales Community Engagement Program Specialist, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8150
Presenter(s):
Paul Lower, Police Lieutenant
Stephen Connolly, Police Auditor, OIR Group
Michael Gennaco, Police Auditor, OIR Group
Sam Pailca, Police Auditor, OIR Group
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist
Background and Analysis:
In March 2025 the City Council approved amendments to the Olympia Municipal Code to establish a Community Policing Board (Board). The purpose of the board is to ensure Olympia Police Department accountability and transparency. The Board regularly meets with the Civilian Police Auditor to review draft audit reports and the Auditor’s recommendations for police training and policies so that Board members can learn, ask questions, share concerns, and provide the community’s perspective regarding recommendations. Board members also serve as Community Representatives for independent investigations of police officer-involved critical incidents and Olympia Police Department Use of Force Review Boards.
This briefing will include a step-by-step walk through of the process for police officer-involved critical incident investigations, from incident to Auditor review of the final incident packet. It will also include discussion of the different components of the process, including the State’s Office of Independent Investigations, the Capital Metro Independent Investigation Team, and the role of the Community Representatives in the process.
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Community Policing Board to better understand police officer-involved critical incident investigations and support Board members in being prepared to serve on a Capital Metro Independent Investigation Team or Use of Force Review Board in the future. It will also help the Board to have a deeper understanding of the Civilian Police Auditor’s process for reviewing use of force incidents.
Climate Analysis:
This project is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The intent of the Community Policing Board is to enhance community involvement in law enforcement. Having community members learn about the complete process for police officer-involved critical incidents supports their ability to fully participate as Community Representatives in future investigations and contributes more broadly to building trust and legitimacy in the City’s public safety system.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There’s broad community interest in community involvement in law enforcement, including the role of the Auditor and Community Policing Board (Board). The Board gaining a greater understanding of the police officer-involved critical incident investigation process will support the Board in effectively representing community perspectives.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing.
2. Request staff to schedule the briefing for another time.
3. Do not receive the briefing.
Financial Impact:
The City extended its contract with OIR Group for Civilian Police Auditor services for a second year, ending on May 7, 2027. The total value of the two-year contract is $210,000.
Attachments:
CMIIT Community Rep Flow Chart
Policy 301 Use of Force Review Boards
Policy 305 Officer-Involved Shootings, Deaths, and Serious Injury
Community Policing Board Ordinance
Civilian Police Auditor Ordinance