San Jose Interim Police Auditor : San Jose’s interim independent police auditor appears to have shifted her stance on expanding oversight powers to investigate police misconduct. Initially supportive of such measures, the auditor now seems opposed to enhancing the office’s investigative capabilities.
During a recent Public Safety, Finance, and Strategic Support Committee meeting, several city leaders shared this position, with four out of five council members voting against recommendations that would empower the independent police auditor (IPA) to directly investigate allegations of police misconduct. Councilmember Sergio Jimenez was the sole dissenter.
The San Jose City Council is set to consider the expansion recommendation on Nov. 14. If approved, the auditor’s office could establish three investigative positions, allowing it to take the lead in some police misconduct cases. Currently, the San Jose Police Department handles internal investigations of officer misconduct.
At the close of 2022, the city council enlisted Moeel, Lah, Fakhoury, LLP, a San Francisco Bay Area legal firm specializing in criminal justice reform, to explore options for expanding the IPA’s oversight powers. Their report, presented at the committee meeting, suggests adopting a hybrid model in which the IPA investigates misconduct allegations while the police department investigates criminal charges.
Most major cities across the nation already employ some form of a hybrid model, where both the police and either the IPA or a citizen advisory group investigate cases of police misconduct.
However, Karyn Sinunu-Towery, the interim leader of the IPA office, opposes a full expansion of its powers at this time. She recommends adding only one additional investigator to enhance the current system by establishing more robust auditing standards for investigations. Sinunu-Towery expressed support for the existing system, highlighting positive policy changes over the years.
The police union has consistently challenged the legality of expanding the IPA’s investigative powers. Union leaders criticized the former head of the IPA, Shivaun Nurre, for advocating for the change in her annual reports. Nurre announced her retirement in June after a public altercation with a police officer.
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Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei and Councilmembers Bien Doan, Arjun Batra, and Omar Torres share Sinunu-Towery’s view, believing that the current system is effective and that expanding the IPA’s powers isn’t necessary. Councilmember Sergio Jimenez, however, expresses a desire for more information before making a decision, indicating that the status quo might not be the best approach given the less-than-ideal current conditions.
The IPA’s office has faced turmoil for months, with both Nurre and the assistant IPA Eva Roa leaving. Roa’s resignation included a critical letter to city officials about their lack of support for police oversight and accountability.
San Jose was among the first cities to establish an independent police auditor in 1993, tasked with monitoring and reviewing misconduct investigations conducted by the police department’s internal affairs unit. However, the IPA currently lacks the ability to independently investigate allegations of officer misconduct.
The push to expand the office’s investigative powers gained momentum in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. Former Mayor Sam Liccardo directed the city to find ways to increase the IPA’s authority. This effort included bringing Measure G before voters, which passed in 2020 and granted the IPA more audit capabilities. Measure G might also provide the authority to transform the IPA into a hybrid model, although the city attorney’s office is yet to weigh in on the matter.
Over the years, the number of complaints against San Jose officers has risen annually, as indicated in the IPA’s most recent report.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the chief of police in San Jose CA?
Chief Mata began his journey in the Police Department as a Police Officer in 1996. With his hard work and dedication, he climbed the ranks and eventually became the Chief of Police in 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois, Chicago and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from San José State. His academic achievements and professional experience have made him a valuable asset to the department.
How many police does San Jose have?
The SJPD has the authority to hire around 1700 employees, both sworn and non-sworn. These employees are divided into four Bureaus, which consist of 11 divisions and over 50 specialized Units and assignments.
How to become a police officer in San Jose?
To apply for a position with the San Jose Police Department, you must first meet the qualifications listed. Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to submit an application. From there, you’ll move on to the supplemental application, followed by written and physical agility tests. If you pass those, you’ll be invited to an oral board interview. If you make it through that stage, you’ll undergo a thorough background investigation process. If you’re still in the running, you’ll attend the San Jose Police Academy, followed by the Field Training Program (FTO).