Independent
Audit of
Burbank Police
Department:
2022
PRESENTATION TO
BURBANK CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
OIR Group
Overview
• Over 20 years of experience in
law enforcement oversight
• Specializing in the independent
evaluation of police agencies’
internal review systems
• Monitoring of Burbank PD since
2010
Our Role in
Burbank
Independent evaluation of BPD across key
categories:
◦ Public complaints and other allegations of
misconduct
◦ Use of force
◦ Vehicle pursuits
◦ One new topic per year (2023: Response
to Mental Health Crisis Calls)
Our Role in Burbank:
How it works
•Review of completed BPD cases from the year
•Selections based on key categories and
random sampling
•Access to BPD case files and evidence
(including BWC recordings)
•Assessments of “legitimacy, thoroughness,
and effectiveness”
•Public report of findings and
recommendations
BPD in 2022:
Overview of Findings
•BPD leadership continues to be
cooperative and receptive (SEE:
responses to recommendations)
•BPD’s internal reviews continue to
be rigorous, objective, and holistic
•Recommendations for
enhancements to systems that are
sound and often exemplary
Complaints and
Allegations of Misconduct
• Thoroughness of investigative
process (effective use of BWC and
other technologies)
• Effective notification letters
• Thoughtful handling of biased
policing allegations
Use of Force
Review
Process
BPD’s multiple levels of
supervisory review
Documentation, holistic analysis
(tactics, communication, etc.),
constructive follow-up
Recommendations re role of
“involved supervisors,” Taser
deployments, and emphasis on
de-escalation
Vehicle Pursuits
•BPD’s policy adjustments
•11 pursuits in 2022 (6 out of policy)
•Benefits of expanded scrutiny? (“De minimis”
category)
•Pursuits outside of city limits
BPD Mental Health
Response: Audit of “5150”
Calls
•Review of 10 calls
•Role/influence of the MHET unit
•An evolving approach (patient
transport, etc.)
Questions
10