Title
Discussion of the Social Justice and Equity Commission’s comments to City Council Regarding the 2023 Police Auditor Annual Report
Recommended Action
Approval of the Social Justice and Equity Committee Chairs to present to the City Council on the 2023 Police Auditor Annual Report on behalf of the Commission.
Report
Issue:
Discussion of the Social Justice and Equity Commission’s comments to City Council Regarding the 2023 Police Auditor Annual Report
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, Organizational Development and Performance 360.753.8499
Presenters:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City’s Civilian Police Auditor (Auditor) finalized the draft 2023 Annual Report. The report covers incidents between January 1 and December 31 of 2023. A Sub-Committee of the Social Justice and Equity Commission met with the Police Auditor on March 11, 2024.
The purpose of the meeting was two-fold. First, the Police Auditor shared with the Sub-Committee an overview of the 2023 misconduct complaints and use of force incident reports audited, as well as their operational, policy and training recommendations to OPD. The Sub-Committee asked clarifying questions, shared their insights, and provided a community perspective on the report. Second, the meeting served as an opportunity to “test” some elements of the draft Community Oversight of Law Enforcement recommendations, specifically the structure and format for how a future Community Board will engage with a Civilian Police Auditor.
On May 7, the Auditor will be submitting their final report to the City Council. Along with the final report, on May 7, the Social Justice and Equity Commission will also be submitting a letter to the City Council offering their opinion and insights on the report, the Auditor’s recommendations, and recommendations for how a future Community Board will engage with a Civilian Police Auditor.
This agenda item will provide the Co-Chairs an opportunity to seek input from Commissioners on the draft letter to the City Council.
Climate Analysis:
This project is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
Community groups, especially those most impacted by policing, and underrepresented community groups have requested a civilian/community member oversight model. Having the commission provide oversight to the Auditor will help represent community needs and interests with the goal of building trust and legitimacy in the City’s public safety system.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
Response to the Neighborhood/Community Interests section is answered within the Equity Analysis statement.
Options:
1. Move to approve the comments to the City Council and authorize the Social Justice and Equity Co-Chairs to sign and present the letter.
2. Move to approve the comments, as amended, to the City Council and authorize the Social Justice and Equity Co-Chairs to sign and present the letter.
3. Do not approve the letter and direct staff to offer other options to provide feedback to City Council.
Financial Impact:
The City Council appropriated $150,000 for the Police Auditor in the 2024 operating budget.
Attachments:
Draft Letter to City Council