8N
Date: October 20, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Hedieh Khajavi, Human Resources Director
By: Tina Ortiz, Principal Human Resources Analyst | [email protected] Subject: Human Resources – Approve Proposed Job Description for Performance Auditor (Police Department). Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Human Resources Director that City Council approve the proposed job description for Performance Auditor (Police Department).
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
The proposed Performance Auditor (Police Department) classification is designed to provide independent, objective assessments of Police Department operations, programs, procedures, records, performance, and compliance, particularly as related to the Collaborative Reform Agreement between the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Torrance.
The Performance Auditor will perform professional audits of law enforcement operations and work products to evaluate compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, and stated performance goals and objectives. The position will identify areas for improvement, assess the sufficiency of internal controls to mitigate operational and legal risk, conduct audit fieldwork and data analysis, and prepare comprehensive reports that support accountability and operational effectiveness. The position receives general direction from the Police Commander and may serve as a project manager, act as a lead, and supervise a small team.
The proposed job description for Performance Auditor (Police Department) includes some of the following responsibilities:
• Audits Police Department records and operational work products to evaluate compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, and stated performance goals and objectives. • Conducts periodic audits using stratified random sampling methodologies aligned with the DOJ Collaborative Agreement requirements.
• Plans, develops, administers, and conducts audit fieldwork, including preliminary surveys, risk assessments, scope, methodology, and testing instruments. • Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; conducts interviews; gathers evidence; and safeguards confidential and sensitive information obtained during the audit process. 1 City Council
October 20, 2026
• Reviews reports, case documentation, and digital evidence, including body-worn and incar camera footage, to support objective findings. • Identifies deficiencies in internal controls, conflicting policies, compliance gaps, and deviations from best practices; recommends corrective actions and process improvements.
• Presents audit plans, progress, and findings to executive leadership and other internal and external stakeholders as required.
• May supervise or lead a small team, including assigning work, reviewing work product, and applying sound supervisory principles and techniques.
The job description for Performance Auditor (Police Department) is attached for your review and approval.
ATTACHMENT
1. Proposed Performance Auditor (Police Department) Job Description 2 City of Torrance May 2026
Class Code: New
Class Designation: At-Will
PERFORMANCE AUDITOR (POLICE DEPARTMENT) (AT-WILL)
Position Summary
Under general administrative direction, performs professional audits of law enforcement operations, programs, procedures, records, and prepares comprehensive reports of audit findings. This position provides independent, objective assessments of Department performance and compliance, particularly as related to the Collaborative Reform Agreement between the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Torrance, and performs related work as required.
Reporting Relationships
Incumbent is focused on law enforcement operational performance, compliance, and DOJ Collaborative Agreement-related auditing. Primary administrative responsibilities include, but are not limited to, identifying areas for improvement, assessing whether internal controls are sufficient to mitigate operational and legal risk, and providing general direction to achieve the mission and goals of assigned efforts.
Work is performed within a broad framework of general policy and requires creativity and resourcefulness to accomplish goals and objectives and to apply concepts, plans, and strategies that may require non-traditional methods to achieve established goals and objectives. Work is reviewed for overall results.
Receives general direction from the Police Commander; may serve as a project manager, may act as a lead, and may supervise a small team.
Examples of Essential Duties
The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they may vary depending on assignment and they are not all-inclusive
Audits Police Department records and operational work products to evaluate compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, and stated performance goals and objectives. Conducts periodic audits using stratified random sampling methodologies aligned with the DOJ Collaborative Agreement requirements.
Plans, develops, administers, and conducts audit fieldwork for assigned projects, ensuring audit objectives are accomplished according to established work plans, including but not limited to, preliminary surveys, risk assessments, scope, methodology, and testing instruments. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data by conducting interviews and gathering evidence while safeguarding confidential and sensitive information obtained during the audit process to prepare supporting documentation sufficient to substantiate audit conclusions Reviews reports, case documentation, and digital evidence (including body-worn and in-car camera footage) to support objective findings.
Prepares work papers and consolidates findings on prescribed forms, including documenting source, purpose, testing performed, and conclusions.
Identifies deficiencies in internal controls, conflicting policies, compliance gaps, and deviations from best practices; recommends corrective actions and process improvements to strengthen internal controls, operational effectiveness, and accountability. Presents audit plans, progress, and findings to executive leadership and other internal/external stakeholders as required.
May supervise or lead a small team, including assigning work, reviewing work product, and applying sound supervisory principles and techniques.
ATTACHMENT 1
3 City of Torrance May 2026
Class Code: New
Class Designation: At-Will
Examples of Other Duties
The following duties represent duties that are generally performed by this position, but are not considered to be principal job duties:
Attends division and department meetings as required. Acts as Department liaison with internal and external teams, committees, along with outside agencies including local and State officials, the community, and other interested groups. Attends leadership and police management training to stay abreast of industry best practices Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge and Core Competencies
Knowledge of
Theory, principles, and practices of auditing law enforcement organizations, including methods used to examine, verify, and analyze operational records, statements, and reports,. Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and related professional auditing standards; familiarity with professional internal auditing standards (Institute of Internal Auditors) and generally accepted auditing principles. Principles and methods of analysis including but not limited to, public-sector benchmarking, performance measurement, and program evaluation techniques, as well as operational auditing, cost-benefit analysis, work measurement, and work simplification. Principles of effective management and administration of law enforcement organizations. Policies, principles, and practices of police administration and services, including but not limited to, operations, services, activities, and evolving trends of a comprehensive Police Department.
Research methods and analytical techniques including but not limited to, statistical methods, including qualitative and quantitative analysis and statistical sampling. Report writing and technical documentation standards. Modern office methods, practices, and operation of a personal computer and other standard office equipment and applicable software applications.
City policies and procedures affecting departmental operations. Public administration principles and practices; operations and functions of municipal government.
Principles of public-sector benchmarking, performance measurement, and program evaluation techniques.
General City operations.
Core Competencies
Action and Results Focus – Showing initiative and focusing on accomplishments. Attention to Detail – Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
Business Process Analysis – Defining, assessing, and improving operational processes and workflow.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information, issues, and problems.
Decision Making – Exercising discretion and judgment in choosing courses of action. Gathering and Analyzing Data – Fact finding, analyzing and interpreting quantitative and/or qualitative data.
Industry Monitoring – Grasping the external political, economic, competitive, and social factors affecting the industry.
Leveraging Technology – Applying technology for improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
4 City of Torrance May 2026
Class Code: New
Class Designation: At-Will
Managing Change – Addressing key factors that influence successful organizational change.
Oral and Written Communication – Engaging and communicating effectively in dialogue and in writing.
Presentation Skills – Formally delivering information to groups. Professional and Technical Expertise – Applying technical subject matter to the job. Project Management – Ensuring projects are on-time, on-budget, and on-specifications. Self-Management – Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability. Strategic Perspective – Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objectives.
License and/or Certificates
Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license.
Designation as a Certified Governmental Auditor is highly desirable.
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Two (2) years of professional experience conducting performance, compliance, or operational audits in accordance with professional auditing standards; experience auditing within a public sector or law enforcement agency is highly desirable.
Special Requirements
Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands and/or working conditions:
Work is primarily performed indoors in an office setting. Work involves frequently changing work priorities and the ability to meet deadlines. Requires sufficient hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as using a computer keyboard and mouse, as well as operation of vehicles, tools, or equipment. Occasional walking, climbing, bending, and lifting or carrying objects of moderate weight (up to 50 pounds) is required. Tasks require sound and visual perception and acuity, as well as oral communications ability. Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle as driving City vehicles to various locations is expected. Position may require attendance at off-site meetings and conferences. Work may involve evenings, weekends, or extended hours during critical project milestones or emergencies.
Career Ladder Information
Experience gained in this position may serve to meet the qualification guidelines for Administrative Services Manager.
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