Title
Civilian Police Auditor 2025 Annual Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the Police Auditor’s 2025 Annual Report.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Police Auditor’s 2025 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 , City Manager’s Office
Chief Shelby Parker, Olympia Police Department
Stephen Connolly, Police Auditor, OIR Group
Michael Gennaco, 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).
On December 10, 2024, the City Council approved an ordinance repealing Olympia Municipal 2.38, Police Auditor, and replacing the chapter with the City Council approved recommendations from the Commission for the role of Auditor.
The central role of the Police 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. The newly added responsibilities include development of an annual work plan, and community engagement.
As has been the case since 2003, the Auditor is independent from the Olympia Police Department (OPD) and reports directly to the City Council. The Chair of the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) serves as the City Council Liaison to the Auditor.
After a robust selection process, the 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 the 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 March 12, 2026, the OIR Group presented their draft 2025 Annual Report to the Board. This is OIR Group’s first report as police auditor for the City of Olympia and includes an audit of 50 use of force incidents and one misconduct investigation. Their report includes statistical information on subject demographics as well as a description of the circumstances. It also includes 22 recommendations in two basic categories: procedural and substantive.
The March 12 briefing to the Board also included an update from Police Chief Shelby Parker, who shared data from the past year and answered questions from the Board related to department policy and procedures. A letter summarizing the Board’s questions and comments for the OIR Group and Chief Parker is attached.
The purpose of this agenda item is for Chief Parker to share a department update, followed by a briefing by the OIR Group on their 2025 Annual Report and recommendations. Chief Parker will also share the police department’s plans for implementing the auditor’s 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 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 2025 Annual Report.
2. Do not receive the briefing on the Police Auditor’s 2025 Annual Report.
3. Receive the briefing at a future date.
Attachments:
OMC 2.38.010 - Civilian Police Auditor
2026 Police Auditor Work Plan
2025 Annual Report Comment Letter
Civilian Police Auditor Annual Report
2025 Use of Force Cases Index