Item No. 2
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – STUDY SESSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: STEVEN D. MCCULLEY, CHIEF OF POLICE
DATE: March 4, 2026
SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT OF POLICE INTERNAL AUDIT AND
INSPECTION REPORTS
RECOMMENDATION
Review the annual audit and inspection reports and provide staff with feedback.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
The purpose of police department annual audits is to ensure transparency, accountability, and the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies. These audits serve several important reasons:
Ensure Adherence to Policies and Procedures:
• Annual audits verify that the police department is operating in accordance with established policies, procedures, and legal standards.
Identify Non-Compliance:
• Identify any instances of non-compliance and take corrective actions to address any deviations from established protocols.
Enhance Accountability:
• Audits provide an external review mechanism to hold the police department accountable for its actions and decisions.
Prevent Abuse of Power:
• Regular audits help prevent the misuse or abuse of law enforcement powers by ensuring adherence to ethical and legal standards.
PD Annual Internal Audits/Inspections
March 4, 2026
Identify Training Needs:
• Identify areas where additional training or development may be necessary for personnel.
Evaluate Operational Efficiency and Readiness:
• Assess the efficiency and effectiveness of police operations to ensure the department is adequately addressing public safety concerns and is ready to respond to all hazards.
Identify Areas for Improvement:
• Identify operational areas that may require improvement or optimization.
Build Community Trust:
• Demonstrates a commitment to transparency, fostering trust between the police department and the community.
Identify Areas for Enhancement:
• Audits highlight areas where the police department can improve its operations, policies, and procedures.
Facilitate Continuous Learning:
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement by learning from audit findings and implementing necessary changes.
Ensure Legal Compliance:
• Confirm that the police department operates within the legal framework and complies with federal, state, and local laws.
Risk Mitigation:
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with law enforcement activities.
In summary, police department annual audits serve as a proactive measure to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and accountability. They contribute to the overall goal of maintaining public safety while building and maintaining trust between law enforcement and the residents of Atherton. For Council discussion, please note that the ALPR Reports include an expanded discussion of ALPR use, needs, and protocols. Included Audits are:
● Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Camera Audit
PD Annual Internal Audits/Inspections
March 4, 2026
● ALPR System Analysis Report
● Body Worn Camera Audit
● Evidence and Property Audit
● Firearms Audit and Weapons Inspections
● K-9 Program Audit
● Officer Inspections
● Reserve Officer Unit Audit
● Taser Audit
● Vehicle Inspection Audit
● Administrative Investigations Review
● Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) Compliance Audit ● Residential Alarm Monitoring Program Report
● Video Surveillance System Audit
● Unmanned Aerial System (Drone) Audit
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to this staff report.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
Goal E – Strengthen Community Engagement and Transparency Goal F – Be a Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, Well-Planned Town
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders – to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
PD Annual Internal Audits/Inspections
March 4, 2026
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission.
ATTACHMENTS
NONE