Item B: Civilian Review Board Annual Report

Home Browse Search

Also per ordinance, the Auditor is working to complete a specific training curriculum for the Board. In 2008 the Board adopted a requirement of eight hours of yearly training and the Auditor and Board are working to finalize training options presented to the Board for its consideration at our June meeting. The Board has suggested the Auditor broaden community outreach efforts to include various and diverse groups, and to include board members in those educational and outreach activities. The auditor should continue efforts to improve alternative dispute resolution options (including mediation). Complaint classification nomenclature remains an issue of concern. The use of “inquiry” as an initial classification should be clarified, and descriptions and guidelines should be adopted for subsequent classifications of ‘Service Complaint,’ ‘Policy Complaint,’ “Allegation of Misconduct” or a subsequent decision to ‘Dismiss’ for valid reasons. Such descriptions and guidelines will help minimize misunderstandings and provide clarity for all involved. Evaluation of the Office of the Police Auditor In evaluating the functioning of the Office of the Police Auditor the Board has identified several areas of note: The OPA should improve follow-up with complainants, including tracking and analysis of satisfaction with the complaint process. There is a continued need for transparency and openness, including the provision of more information to the public. Finally, we note that the rate of Auditor’s recommendations to the Chief for sustained Use of Force allegations fell in 2009. In 2008 there were forty-nine use of force complaints and three were dismissed or reclassified without subsequent action resulting in forty-six allegations. Eleven of those allegations received ‘sustain’ recommendations from the Auditor’s office. In 2008 the Auditors recommendation rate for sustained use of force allegations to the chief equaled 24%. In 2009 there were forty-six use of force complaints and eight were dismissed without subsequent action resulting in forty allegations. Three of these allegations received ‘sustain’ recommendations from the Auditor’s office. In 2009 the Auditors recommendation rate for sustained use of force allegations to the chief equals 8%. These and similar trends should continue to be reviewed to identify underlying patterns and concerns.