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Informational Report: Police Oversight Models <br />September 15, 2020 <br />Page 3 <br />Any successful model must address the rules, policies, norms, and culture of the police <br />department. Research suggests that police misconduct is often driven by the ethos of the police <br />organization (Armacost, 2004, p. 456)2. In 2019, SAPID leadership, working with members of the <br />community and co -facilitated by the Orange County Human Relations Commission, revised the <br />Department's Community Oriented Policing Philosophy (which clearly emphasizes accountability, <br />integrity and transparency); and established a 2019-2024 Policing Strategic Plan. <br />Oversight Models without Investigatory Powers <br />This model consists of members who review police misconduct investigations to determine whether <br />they were conducted appropriately and adequately. Members agree or disagree with findings of <br />the internal affairs investigation and may make recommendations. This type may also provide <br />proposals or recommendations regarding departmental policies. <br />Example: A Chief's Advisory Board is created to act as a community resource for the chief in <br />forming strategies, developing community policing priorities, increasing public awareness, and <br />transparency. The board is intended to provide a forum for discussions concerning community <br />concerns and its goal is to have a broad spectrum of viewpoints represented. <br />Advantages: Boards or commissions without investigatory powers can produce findings more <br />quickly than an investigatory model. This model also provides an opportunity for residents to be <br />directly involved and have input on policy issues. <br />Disadvantages: A large amount of labor and time is required for those serving on the board or <br />commission. Members must have some knowledge and training to identify problems in complex <br />investigations. Without investigatory powers, the board or commission is limited to the evidence <br />and investigation conducted by Internal Affairs. Members may feel obligated to pursue specific <br />agendas or policies. <br />Oversight Models With Investigatory Powers <br />This model consists of assigned members who have the additional authority to investigate <br />complaints separately and externally from the police department. This model is generally seen in <br />organizations who have a history of serious patterns and practices of misconduct. The board or <br />commission may make findings because of such investigations and make specific <br />recommendations to administrators regarding discipline and/or policy. <br />Advantages: Can provide increased public confidence in misconduct investigations and give the <br />community a greater sense of inclusion. Provides additional oversight as investigations and <br />findings come from an agency other than the police department. <br />Disadvantages: Members must be highly trained and willing to spend a considerable amount of <br />time to conduct fair, unbiased, and consistent investigations. Substandard investigations can <br />2 Armacost, Barbara. "Organizational Culture and Police Misconduct." George Washington Law Review. <br />65A-3 <br />