PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL: REPORT
AND UPDATE FROM INDEPENDENT
POLICE AUDITOR
May 6, 2024
1 OIR GROUP
• IPA for the City of Palo Alto
• Semi-Annual Audit Reports re PAPD
internal review systems
• Last Council appearance in October of
2023
2 Latest Semi-Annual Report: Cases from
second half of 2023
• One external complaint from 2023
• Two finalized cases from older incidents
• 9 “Pointed Firearm” incidents
• Two “HR” internal complaints
3 Pointed Firearm Incidents
• Highest total (9) of the three audit cycles for this protocol • Better “capture” in reporting and tracking
• All instances were evaluated and found to be consistent with training and policy
• Supervisory memos of varying thoroughness
4 2023 Complaint Case
• Unfounded “malicious driving” case
• Evidence established no misconduct by transporting officer • Supplemental issues identified and addressed
5 HR Investigations
• Two cases: (promotion process, discrimination)
• Outside third-party investigation conducted for each
• No findings of policy violations
6 Internal Investigation re Arrest: Reporting
and Procedure
• Review of forced blood draw
• Clarification of ambiguity in law: PAPD training bulletin • Other issues
7 External Complaint Investigation: Arrest
of Gustavo Alvarez
• Civil, criminal and administrative proceedings
• Misconduct by involved officers
• Shortcomings in PAPD issue-spotting and response
• 13 Recommendations across different aspects of officer performance, review protocols, and investigation
standards
8 Alvarez Case: Key Recommendations
• Develop additional guardrails to detect unreported force • Treating a claim as a complaint with a price tag attached • Develop feedback loops for court findings relating to Constitutional violations
• Proceed with administrative investigations irrespective of pending litigation or criminal investigation
• Ensure supervisors feel empowered to review body worn camera footage as part of supervisory responsibility
9 Questions/Discussion
10