Title
Discussion of Process and Timeline for Hiring a Police Auditor
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the process and timeline for hiring a Police Auditor
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the process and timeline for hiring a Police Auditor
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Administrative Services Director, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Debbie Sullivan, Administrative Services Director
Background and Analysis:
On September 20, 2002, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 6220 which added a new Chapter (2.38) to the Olympia Municipal Code - Police Auditor. The stated purpose of the Police Auditor is to “provide an independent review and audit of investigations of complaints about the Police Department and/or its employees” in order to increase public trust and confidence in the professional accountability systems of the Police Department.
The Ordinance states that the City Council selects the Police Auditor and may do so under a professional services contract. The Ordinance also specifies the term of service, qualifications, as well as the duties and responsibilities of the Police Auditor. The City Council retained their first Police Auditor, in compliance with the Ordinance, on January 28, 2003. A Police Auditor was in place every year until 2009. Due to the great recession, the service was cut starting in 2010.
During the 2020 budget process, Council appropriated $30,000 to reinstate a Police Auditor. Using Ordinance No. 6220, staff estimates that Council can on-board a Police Auditor by the Fall of 2020. If the General Government Committee, after reviewing the current Ordinance, recommends revisions to Council, the process for hiring a Police Auditor will start once the ordinance is adopted and the required 30-day waiting period is concluded.
Staff will discuss with the General Government Committee the process and timeline for hiring a Police Auditor and receive direction on their preferred approach.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community is interested in City Council hiring a Police Auditor who can provide an independent review of investigations and complaints against the Olympia Police Department.
Options:
1. Direct staff to launch the hiring process for a Police Auditor under the existing Ordinance No. 6220 and forward to the full Council for approval. A Police Auditor may be on-board as early as Fall 2020. Future revisions can be discussed and incorporated before hiring the next Police Auditor in 2021.
2. Direct staff to modify Ordinance No. 6220 based on feedback received from the Committee and forward to full Council for approval. A Police Auditor may be on-board in the first quarter of 2021.
3. Direct staff to modify Ordinance No. 6220 based on public input and return to General Government Committee with a community engagement proposal and timeline.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
Ordinance No. 6220