Item B: Police Auditor/Civilian Review Board Update

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UF: The community is greatly concerned regarding the use of force by EPD SE OF ORCE employees. The adoption of Tasers as a less-than-lethal tool has been the focus of much debate and we are seeing more complaints in which Tasers have been a factor. Eugene’s experience in this matter is similar to that of other jurisdictions. Literature on the subject indicates that the device is frequently used as a pain-compliance tool. Some jurisdictions are questioning whether the use is appropriate in instances involving minor offenses. Others prohibit use of the device against mentally ill persons or someone known to be on drugs. Because we are a smaller jurisdiction, attention to lessons learned in larger cities may prove helpful. APM.CP:We have seen several instances in ARAMILITARY ODEL VS OMMUNITY OLICING which warrantless entries into homes were justified as community policing while the tactics used during the entries were described in paramilitary terms. This may be a valuable topic of discussion. TFI:In designing the instrument used by HOROUGHNESS AND AIRNESS OF NVESTIGATIONS the CRB to review cases and measure investigations, the issue of sufficiency of evidence had become apparent. CRB members stated they often felt compelled to conclude there was insufficient evidence to sustain an allegation because the investigation itself had been insufficient in key areas. Examples included the lack of timelines during the critical periods which gave rise to the allegation, witnesses who had not been interviewed at all, and those who had been interviewed but key questions had been overlooked. This may have been exacerbated by the practice of suspending administrative investigations while criminal proceedings against the complainants or witnesses were resolved. Investigators may have become over reliant on using testimony and evidence in the criminal trials as the basis of the administrative investigation. We are optimistic that this will improve over time. Progress: 1)I,CT: The CRB and the Auditor provide a MPROVEMENT OOPERATION AND RUST small, but valuable, perspective of how well Internal Affairs is functioning and, by extension, the police department in general. In working with IA staff and investigators, it is apparent they are dedicated, thoughtful individuals committed to public service. Neither the Auditors Office nor the CRB could function without their help and cooperation. Much of this has to do with Captain Steve Swensen. Captain Swensen graciously accommodates our needs and requests through every means at his disposal—including the following: a.When we were without an administrative assistant this summer, Kathy Quinn, IA Administrative Specialist, came over and helped with office tasks and helped us develop a new and more effective filing system. Kathy was also instrumental in providing data and helping with formatting the new spreadsheet for tracking complaints. b.Cindy Coleman, IA Program Coordinator, has patiently trained the Interim Auditor and the new Administrative Assistant in using the IAPRO Auditors Report to Council—11-10-08, page 3