Police Auditor
The Police Auditor is appointed by and reports directly to the Olympia City Council.
The role of Olympia's Police Auditor is to review investigations of complaints about Police personnel after completion to determine if they were conducted in a thorough, fair and impartial manner, and in keeping with accepted investigatory standards. The Auditor may also analyze key trends and patterns in the complaints and reports, and offer recommendations for revisions to Police Department processes, policies, procedures, and training.
The Auditor does not assist individuals in initiating complaints, nor does the Auditor interview witnesses or conduct a parallel investigation.
As of July 2008, Olympia's Police Auditor is Erin Nolan. Quarterly, the Police Auditor's Reports are posted on the City's website.
Background Information
In September 2002, the Olympia City Council adopted Ordinance 6220 which established Police Auditor Section in Olympia Municipal Code, OMC 2.83 (pdf). With this action, the Council established a Police Auditor position that is totally independent from the Police Department and is selected by and reports directly to the City Council.
The purpose of the Olympia Police Auditor, as stated in OMC 2.38.020 is to provide an independent review and audit of investigations of complaints about the Police Department and/or its employees. The specific goal is to increase public trust and confidence in the professional accountability systems of the Police Department.