Olympia's Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) has recommended moving forward with the OIR Group as the city's new civilian police auditor.
The recommendation authorized staff to enter into contract negotiations with the OIR Group, with the intent of recommending the full hire to the city council.
At a CLPS meeting held on Wednesday, April 16, Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray presented the recommendation after a selection process that began in December 2024, when the city issued a request for proposals.
The city's search for a new civilian police auditor began with six initial proposals, which were evaluated by a review panel that included staff from the City Manager's office, Olympia Police Department, community representatives from the Social Justice and Equity Commission, and the Use of Force Board.
After the initial review, the field was narrowed to three finalist candidates. On Feb. 20, the CLPS conducted interviews with three finalists and eventually selected the OIR Group as the preferred candidate.
The OIR Group, a firm with more than two decades of experience in police oversight, was selected from six initial respondents.
According to Ray, the firm has over two decades of experience in law enforcement oversight. Comprised of three key professionals, Michael Gennaco, Stephen Connolly and Sam Pailca, the group has been active since 2001.
They are longtime members of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement. Their expertise spans comprehensive system audits, including critical areas like recruiting, hiring, training and performance management, focusing on racial equity and justice.
Ray added that OIR Group has demonstrated a strong ability to work with cities of similar size, maintaining long-term relationships with municipal governments, police commissions and community review boards.
Ray discussed the proposed contract with the group, which is structured as a one-year agreement with an option to extend as specified in the city's code language.
The estimated cost range is between $100,000 to $120,000. Margo Morales, Olympia's Community Engagement Program Specialist, will serve as the staff liaison.
She said the draft contract will be presented to the city council on May 6. The city aims for a smooth onboarding process.
The contract maintains the existing schedule of mid-year and annual reports, to ensure continuity in the city's police oversight reporting.
Ray added the auditor is tasked with receiving and thoroughly investigating complaints of police misconduct, comprehensively auditing all reported uses of force, and developing substantive recommendations for operational, training and police improvements. The role also includes collaborating with the Community Policing Board on community education and engagement.
Established in 2002, the Civilian Police Auditor position aimed to provide independent review of police investigations and increase public trust.
The position was active from 2003 to 2009. The role was suspended during the Great Recession due to funding cuts.
In 2020, responding to nationwide calls for police accountability, the city council reinstated the position.
In December 2024, the city council updated OMC 2.38 Police Auditor and issued a request for proposals.
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