Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Clarity Investigations and Consulting, P.L.L.C. for Police Auditor Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
On June 22, 2022 the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommended contracting with Clarity Investigations and Consulting for Police Auditor Services and forwarding a contract for Council’s approval.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution Authorizing an agreement with Clarity Investigations and Consulting, P.L.L.C. for Police Auditor Services in the amount of $100,000.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution Authorizing an agreement with Clarity Investigations and Consulting, P.L.L.C. for Police Auditor Services in the amount of $100,000.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The City Council retains the services of a Police Auditor to provide an independent review and audit of investigations, complaints, and uses of force. The purpose of the Police Auditor is to increase public trust and confidence in the police department. On April, 12, 2022 the City Council approve a contract with the law firm, Ogden Murphy Wallace, P.L.L.C. to act as an independent police auditor pursuant to Olympia Municipal Code 2.38. The term of that contract was for one year.
On June 20, 2022, staff was notified that the attorney assigned to serve as Police Auditor, Tara Parker, was leaving Ogden Murphy Wallace on July 1, 2022. Tara is with a new firm, Clarity Investigations and Consulting, PLLC.
On June 22, staff briefed the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee of Ms. Parker’s change of employment and they recommended continuing to use Ms. Parker as the City’s independent Police Auditor. Staff proposed and the Committee agreed that the scope of work and the terms of the contract remain unchanged from the contract with Ogden Murphy Wallace. The only exception is that the rate for Ms. Parker under Clarity Investigations and Consulting is slightly less than the rate at Ogden Murphy Wallace.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community seeks accountability and transparency with the Police Department. The Police Auditor provides an independent review and audit of internal investigations regarding use of force and complaints against the Police Department or its employees.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a contract with Clarity Investigations and Consulting, P.L.L.C. for Police Auditor Services in the amount of $100,000
2. Do not approve the Resolution and direct staff to launch a request for approval to select a new firm for Police Auditor Services. This could result in a break in Police Auditor services for up to four months.
Financial Impact:
Council appropriated $100,000 for Police Auditor Services as part of the 2022 General Fund Operating Budget.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement