Title
Police Auditor’s Quarterly Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive and discuss the Police Auditor’s Quarterly Report and direct the City Manager to forward the Report to the full City Council electronically.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive and discuss the Police Auditor’s Quarterly Report and direct the City Manager to forward the Report to the full City Council electronically.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager - Strategic Initiatives, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Tara Parker, Ogden Murphy Wallace
Background and Analysis:
On November 2, 2020 City Council directed staff to enter into a contract with Ogden Murphy Wallace to provide Police Auditor services to the City of Olympia. 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 Police Auditor will present the first Quarterly Report to the General Government Committee. The contract states that a mid-year and end of year report will be filed with the City Council. However, having more frequent touchpoints with the Auditor will provide enhanced transparency and accountability.
The Quarterly Report includes: the number and types of Use of Force reports that have been audited; the number and types of complaint investigations recorded by the Office of Professional Standards that have been audited; and initial findings and impressions, including preliminary recommendations for improvements to Department policies and practices.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community is interested in improving transparency and accountability by using a Police Auditor to provide an independent review of investigations and complaints against the Olympia Police Department.
Options:
1. Receive and discuss the Police Auditor’s Quarterly Report and direct the City Manager to forward the Report to the full City Council electronically.
2. Receive and discuss the Police Auditor’s Quarterly report at another time.
3. Do not receive or discuss the Police Auditor’s Quarterly report.
Financial Impact:
City Council appropriated $30,000 for Police Auditor services as part of the 2021 operating budget.
Attachments:
Report