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<br />__nm~.?!!.~e Compiain.!..?ystem an~. Civilian Oy.~E~ight Re~?~mendatio~s <br /> <br />VI. Oversight Model Frequently Asked Questions <br /> <br />1. What is a hybrid police oversigllt system and why was it selected? <br /> <br />A hybrid system combines two distinct components into one system. ill this ca.<;e, the tvlO <br />components are a professional police auditor and a civilian review board. The commission is <br />recommending a hybrid system of civilian oversight to build on the strengths of each <br />component to best meet the community's expectations. The full time auditor monitors <br />investigations for quality assurance ,md identities systemic changes needed to improve the <br />overall performance of the organization. The civilian review board creates opportunities for <br />community members to review and conunent on how the department investigates and <br />responds to complaints, promoting a fair and transparent process. <br /> <br />2. What makes this model independent of the police department? <br /> <br />To ensure structural independence of the oversight system, the com..rnission recommends tbat <br />the auditor be hired and report to the City Council, and that the City Council, with <br />community input, appoints the review board members. The auditor's o:ffice will provide the <br />staff support to the review board. So while the auditor and his/her staff are city employees, <br />they \vill not be employed by the police department, physically located in the police <br />department, or supervised by the Police Chief. <br /> <br />3. How does this model assure that all complaints are handled appropriately and that <br />complainants are protected from retaliation? <br /> <br />The intake and classification of complaints, which detennines how a complaint is handled, <br />'Nill no longer occur within the police department. Instead, based on clear protocols, the <br />auditor's office will decide how a complaint would be classified. The review board will <br />monitor these decisions through review of quarterly reports. In addition, the ability to lodge <br />complaints in the auditor's office is intended to provide a safe and neutral environment for <br />complaint intake. People who are still anxious about the possibility of some form of <br />retribution for tiling a complaint may choose to lodge their concerns anonymously. <br />Anonymous complaintswiH be taken seriously and will be classified. However, the auditor <br />will not be able to conduct fonow-up communications with an anonymous complainant. <br /> <br />4. Why does this system still allow police to investigate police? <br /> <br />One of the fundamental values for the complaint system is the desire that investigations are <br />impartial, thorough and fair. Misconduct investigations, which carry the possibility for <br />discipline up to and including employee temlination, must meet rigorous standards for <br />objectivity and integrity. The outcome must be based on a preponderance of evidence. For <br />these reasons, the commission believes that the investigations should be conducted by trained <br />professionals, but monitored for quality assurance by an outside, independent civilian <br />employee, i.e., the auditor. To help protect these investigations from real or perceived bias, <br />the commission is also recommending that the involved employee's supervisor no longer <br />conduct internal investigations. Instead, the intemal afl'airs unit should be restructured so <br />that it has the capacity to conduct investigations of employee misconduct. <br /> <br />23 <br />