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1. What is the Mission and Purview of the Independent Police Auditor?

The Independent Police Auditor (IPA) was established by charter amendment in 2005 to provide an external mechanism for the independent receipt, classification, and routing of complaints against sworn and non-sworn EPD employees; contract for outside investigations when necessary; and provide monitoring of EPD internal investigations of allegations of misconduct and supervisors’ investigations of service complaints. The charter amendment also authorizes the auditor to make recommendations regarding adjudications, policies, and training to the Police Chief; prepare reports concerning complaint trends and police practices; and act as a liaison and staff support for a civilian review board. The IPA provides services in an efficient, clear, and accessible manner, and is committed to the mission of transparency and accountability for police services in Eugene. Eugene City Code 2.450-2.456 further details the Auditor’s Office functions.

2. What are the functions of the Independent Police Auditor?

In summary, the Independent Police Auditor’s duties and responsibilities include:

•  Complaint intake
  • To ensure access and safety, the IPA has a wide variety of ways to receive complaints including phone, email, website, walk-in and via mail. Complaints can be generated externally by community members (including anonymous and third-party complaints), internally by EPD staff, or by the auditor.
• Classifying complaints
  • The authority to classify complaints rests with the Police Auditor alone. This classification determines the path of investigation for each complaint. The Auditor may also dismiss complaints if, for example, it falls outside the jurisdiction of the IPA, isn’t timely (as defined by City Code), or is better remedied in an alternate venue such as the courts. 
• Monitoring investigations
  • The IPA actively monitors investigations and has complete access to all reports, body-worn and in-car video footage, call logs, dispatch records, e-mail correspondence, and interviews with witnesses and involved parties.
• Recommending adjudications, policy changes, and training
  • Based on review of investigatory materials, the Auditor makes a recommendation on how the complaint should be adjudicated. These recommendations are documented in adjudication memos that are shared with the Chief and chain of command at EPD. The Auditor can also recommend changes to EPD policy and training. 
• Reporting to the community
  • Community complainants receive a closing letter informing them of the classification and outcome of their complaint. The Civilian Review Board selects cases to publicly review and receives monthly updates on intakes and closed cases; finally, the IPA generates an annual report detailing complaints and outcomes from the previous calendar year.
• Supporting a civilian review board

3. Why does the Independent Police Auditor matter?

Police have authority that no one else has. By auditing investigations into claims of police misconduct and ensuring that those investigations are fair and thorough, we help keep EPD accountable to the community it serves. The Independent Police Auditor also staffs the Civilian Review Board, a volunteer group of residents representing the interests of the community that evaluates the work of the Auditor’s Office and provides transparency into the oversight process.

4. Is the Independent Police Auditor part of the Eugene Police Department?

No, the Independent Police Auditor is not part of the Eugene Police Department. We answer to the legislative branch of City government: the Mayor and City Council. The Civilian Review Board is also appointed by City Council. The Chief of Police and EPD answer to the City Manager, the executive branch of our City government. This separation of powers supports the independence of the Auditor’s office. 

5. Why should I trust the Independent Police Auditor and the Civilian Review Board?

Both are independent agencies established by charter that represent community interests. Only the voters of Eugene may change the charter. The Independent Police Auditor is free to agree or disagree with the decisions of the EPD and makes recommendations directly to the City Council. The CRB is in place to ensure the Auditor’s Office is doing its job and to increase public confidence in the oversight process. 

6. What is the difference between the Independent Police Auditor and the Civilian Review Board?

The City of Eugene’s Civilian Oversight System is a hybrid model consisting of the Independent Police Auditor and the Civilian Review Board. The IPA oversees and monitors all investigations, participates in interviews and has access to all evidence related to the incident. Their independence, funding, and access are protected in City Code and staff report to City Council, 

The Civilian Review Board is a board of 7 volunteers appointed by City Council who meet on a monthly basis to review completed complaint investigations involving sworn officers. The CRB’s role is to evaluate the work of the Independent Police Auditor and provide a community perspective on how complaints are being handled, as well as to instill public trust in the oversight process. 

7. Where can I learn more about the work the Independent Police Auditor does?

Links to the Charter section and ordinance regarding the Police Auditor and the Civilian Review Board are available on the History and Structure section of our webpage. The Independent Police Auditor publishes an annual report and monthly newsletter. You can also follow our social media pages to receive reminders about upcoming CRB meetings, presentations & events, and more.

8. Can I request that the Police Auditor share additional information about the civilian oversight system?

Yes! We love connecting with our community, sharing information about our process, and answering any questions you may have. Staff from our office are always available to attend meetings and trainings, table at community events, or answer any media inquiries. Please email us-- We look forward to hearing from you!