What is the Independent Police Auditor?

The Independent Police Auditor (IPA) reviews Police Department personnel complaint investigations, takes personnel complaints about the Police Department from people who do not feel comfortable going directly to the Police Department and interacts with community members and organizations.

In November 2021, the Santa Rosa City Council approved the OIR Group LLC as the Independent Police Auditor. The IPA reports to the City Manager and has full access to the Police Department's internal investigations, and tracks allegations of misconduct from the start of a new case to the outcome and resolution phase. The IPA reviews unredacted police reports and body-worn camera videos related to each case and can consult with investigators, raise questions, and share its views about appropriate dispositions. The IPA also conducts audits of policies, practices, and records, conducts community outreach, and annually prepares and presents a report to the Public Safety Subcommittee and City Council.

Review the Independent Police Auditor Scope of Work.

Review the March 2023 Independent Police Auditor’s First Report re: Santa Rosa Police Department

Share Your Feedback

The City of Santa Rosa is committed to giving residents a voice in how they are policed and maintaining trust and legitimacy with the police department and invites residents to share comments and feedback about policing in Santa Rosa with the Independent Police Auditor (IPA), OIR Group. Let's Connect!

About OIR Group

OIR Group has more than twenty years of experience in the field of independent oversight of law enforcement and has addressed issues of policing in multiple jurisdictions throughout California and in several other states. OIR Group is led by Michael Gennaco, a former federal prosecutor and nationally recognized expert in police accountability and systemic reform. Before assuming the role of Police Auditor, OIR Group worked with the City of Santa Rosa and the Police Department in addressing a range of citizen complaints and concerns that arose from the protests in May/June of 2020.