City Manager’s Office
www.santa-ana.org/cm
Item # 24
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
July 1, 2025
TOPIC: Appointment of Police Oversight Director and Agreement
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution Appointing T. Jack Morse of Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP as Police Oversight Director and Consultant Agreement for Police Oversight Director Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Adopt a resolution appointing T. Jack Morse of Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP as the City of Santa Ana’s Police Oversight Director and approving the Professional Services Agreement to provide Police Oversight Director services in accordance with Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 2-666.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPOINTING A POLICE OVERSIGHT DIRECTOR
TO ASSIST THE POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION AND APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE ENGAGEMENT OF T. JACK
MORSE THROUGH OPPENHEIMER INVESTIGATIONS GROUP LLP
2. Approve consultant agreement with Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP, to provide Police Oversight Director services, for an amount not to exceed $250,000, for a term of two years beginning July 1, 2025 (Agreement No. A-2025-XXX).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
On November 15, 2022, the Santa Ana City Council adopted an ordinance establishing a Police Oversight Commission (Ordinance), Ordinance No. NS-3029.
Section 2-666 of the Ordinance provides that the City Council shall appoint a Police Oversight Director to assist the Police Oversight Commission in carrying out its responsibilities. The Police Oversight Director is a key position to promote independent oversight, strengthen public trust, and ensure accountability in policing practices.
Following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP No. 23-121), City Council evaluated
Appointment of Police Oversight Director and Professional Services Agreement July 1, 2025
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proposals and desires to appoint Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP, represented by T. Jack Morse, Esq., selected for their expertise in police oversight and independent investigations.
The Consultant Agreement outlines the scope of services, including:
•Independent review and investigation of complaints against the Santa Ana Police Department
•Attendance at Police Oversight Commission meetings
•Timely response to community concerns and complaints
•Preparation of investigative reports and policy recommendations •Collaboration with City staff on relevant ordinances, policies, and procedures The total compensation under the agreement shall not exceed $250,000 over the two- year term, including any extension periods, as amended in writing.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Professional Services Agreement is not to exceed $250,000 over a two-year term. The costs for professional services will be paid out of the City Attorney’s General Fund Budget (Account No. 01108032-62302). Funding for the first fiscal year is included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Future allocations will be requested in subsequent fiscal years, subject to City Council approval.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution Appointing Police Oversight Director
2. Consultant Agreement
Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager