Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Contract Amendment with Clarity Investigations and Consulting, P.L.L.C. for Police Auditor Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee discussed the proposed amendments to the contract on October 26. The Committee unanimously approved the amendments and directed staff to forward to the full Council for approval.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a of a Resolution Authorizing a Contract Amendment with Clarity Investigations and Consulting, P.L.L.C. for Police Auditor Services.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a of a Resolution Authorizing a Contract Amendment with Clarity Investigations and Consulting, P.L.L.C. for Police Auditor Services.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia City Council contracts for Police Auditor Services with Clarity Investigations and Consulting, PLLC. Based on the implementation of body worn cameras and Council’s request of the Social Justice and Equity Commission to work with the Police Auditor, staff recommends amending the Police Auditor’s contract.
The Police Auditor’s current scope of work includes “review of all uses of force, complaints and internal investigations as defined in Olympia Police Department General Orders to determine if they are consistent with Police Department policies, without indication of unlawful bias, protect civil rights, and are in alignment with best practices.” To accomplish this work, the Police Auditor has unfettered access to all information related to incidents of use of force and complaints. Now that body worn cameras are implemented, this will also include access to video footage. The amount of time estimated for the Police Auditor to review video footage is based on the past year’s use of force incidents and complaints. Staff recommends amending the contract to increase the budget capacity by $100,000 for a total contract amount of $200,000.
On October 18, the City Council approved the Social Justice and Equity Commission’s inaugural Work Plan. The Work Plan includes reviewing civilian oversight models and making a recommendation to Council on the preferred model for Olympia. While this study is underway, Council asked the Commission to serve in the interim community oversight role so there is a structured way for the community to review and provide feedback on the Auditor’s report, findings, recommendations and ask questions before the Police Auditor presents to Council. Staff recommends including this additional scope of work in the Police Auditor’s contract.
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee reviewed and discussed the proposed amendments at their October 26 meeting, approved the amendments, and directed staff to forward to the full Council for approval.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community wants improved transparency and accountability of the Olympia Police Department. The Police auditor provides an independent, civilian review and audit of use of force incidents and internal investigations regarding complaints against the Olympia Police Department and reports findings and recommendations to the City Council.
Options:
1. Move to approve a of a Resolution Authorizing a Contract Amendment with Clarity Investigations and Consulting, P.L.L.C. for Police Auditor Services.
2. Direct staff to amend the Police Auditor contract to modify the duties to include working with the Social Justice and Equity Commission without increasing the budget. Staff will return to Council at a future date with a modified amendment.
3. Based on Council feedback, direct staff to modify the duties, responsibilities, or contract amount based on direction from the Committee and return to Council with a modified amendment.
Financial Impact:
City Council appropriated $100,000 for Police Auditor services in 2022. The additional funding needed for the Police Auditor budget is being discussed as part of the 2023 Operating budget process.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement Amendment