Title
Briefing on the Civilian Police Auditor’s 2026 Semi-Annual Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the Civilian Police Auditor’s 2026 Semi-Annual Report.
Report
Issue:
Whether to Receive a briefing on the Civilian Police Auditor’s 2026 Semi-Annual Report.
Staff Contact:
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8150
Presenter(s):
Margo Morales, Community Engagement Program Specialist
Chief Shelby Parker, Olympia Police Department
Stephen Connolly, Police Auditor, OIR Group
Michael Gennaco, Police Auditor, OIR Group
Sam Pailca, Police Auditor, OIR Group
Background and Analysis:
In July 2024, the City Council accepted recommendations from the Social Justice and Equity Commission (SJEC) on Community Oversight of Law Enforcement. The recommendations included enhancements to the role of Civilian Police Auditor (Auditor).
The central role of the Auditor is to review certain types of investigations completed internally by the Olympia Police Department and provide regular reports to the City Council. This includes recommendations to improve police department operations, policy, and training based on their findings.
After a robust selection process, OIR Group was hired by the City Council in May of 2025 to fill the newly expanded role of Civilian Police Auditor. On April 28, 2026, the City Council approved a resolution to extend OIR Group’s contract for Civilian Police Auditor services for an additional year.
Included in the scope of work for the Police Auditor is to meet quarterly with the Community Policing Board (Board) to share their draft reports and recommendations so board members can learn, ask questions, share concerns, and provide the community’s perspective regarding recommendations.
On September 24, 2026, OIR Group presented their draft 2026 Semi-Annual Report to the Board. In the past reports issued for the cases audited in the first half of the calendar year has often been referred to as a “mid-year” report, however this has been titled a “semi-annual” report. This is OIR Group’s second report as police auditor for the City of Olympia and includes an audit of 37 use of force incidents, 5 complaint or misconduct investigations and 1 critical incident review. Their report includes statistical information on subject demographics as well as a description of the circumstances. It also includes 15 recommendations.
The September 24 briefing to the Board included an update from Police Chief Shelby Parker, who shared data from the first half of this year and an update on the implementation of recommendations from OIR Groups 2025 Annual Report. A letter summarizing the Board’s discussion is attached.
The purpose of this agenda item is for Chief Parker to share an update on the implementation of recommendations from OIR Groups 2025 Annual Report, followed by an OIR Group briefing for the City Council on their 2026 Semi-Annual Report and recommendations.
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 community involvement and oversight in law enforcement. The Civilian Police Auditor’s expanded scope included in the Social Justice and Equity Commission’s recommendation is responsive to that request and advances social justice and equity in Olympia.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There’s broad community interest in community involvement in law enforcement, including the role and recommendations of the Auditor and in the OPD data and policy updates shared by the Police Chief.
Financial Impact:
The City contracted with OIR Group for Civilian Police Auditor services for an initial one-year term beginning on May 7, 2025, valued at $105,000. On April 28, 2026, the City Council approved a one-year extension to OIR Group’s contract and approved an additional $105,000 for the second year. The total value of the two-year contract is $210,000.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on the Police Auditor’s 2026 Semi-Annual Report.
2. Do not receive the briefing on the Police Auditor’s 2026 Semi-Annual Report.
3. Receive the briefing at a future date.
Attachments:
Civilian Police Auditor 2026 Semi-Annual Report
2026 Semi-Annual Report Comment Letter
OMC 2.38.010 - Civilian Police Auditor