Title
Recommendation to Receive an Informational Presentation on Alameda Police Department Data from the Police Auditor and Provide Feedback regarding the Police Auditor’s Ongoing Work. (City Attorney 10023044)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Leigh Grossman, Police Auditor
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda’s (City) Police Auditor is presenting to City Council the 2024 overview of 11 police-related topics.
BACKGROUND
In late 2022, City Council directed the City Attorney to appoint a Police Auditor, in response to a recommendation from the community-led Police Reform and Racial Equity Committee for a civilian review body outside the police chain-of-command. In July 2023, the City Attorney appointed Dr. Leigh Grossman as the City’s first Police Auditor.
As Dr. Grossman began implementing the City Council’s direction for the Police Auditor role, she has focused extensively on data collection, analysis, and promoting transparency. Each month, a public report is published that contains details of activities such as complaints, force, stops, pursuits, and training. These reports are accessible on the Police Auditor’s website <https://www.alamedaca.gov/Departments/City-Attorney/Police-Auditor>. At the end of each year, the Police Auditor produces an annual report that provides additional context and information in each category.
This presentation provides information on the following policing topics:
• Internal affairs
• Use of force
• Calls for service
• Arrests
• Traffic stops
• Pursuits
• Collisions
• Community surveys
• Staffing
• Claims and lawsuits
• Training
DISCUSSION
In establishing the Police Auditor role, City Council has indicated that key objectives of the role are to enhance transparency/accountability and to keep the public informed about the Police Department’s activities. To implement those objectives, the Police Auditor undertakes regular data reviews of policing activities to identify trends and analyze areas of concern. Publicly presenting the Police Auditor’s findings, including presentation of her annual data review, provides the City Council and the public with a clearer understanding of police activities and offers a forum for meaningful feedback. Accordingly, the Police Auditor looks forward to presenting the information provided in the attached presentation and receiving feedback from City Council and the community regarding her ongoing work.
ALTERNATIVES
There are no alternatives as this is an informational report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to receiving this presentation.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
There are no municipal codes or policy documents to cross reference for this presentation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This presentation does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, and therefore, no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this presentation.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive an informational presentation on Alameda Police Department data from the Police Auditor and provide feedback regarding the Police Auditor’s ongoing work.
Respectfully submitted,
Leigh Grossman, Police Auditor
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director