Police Oversight Commission Expands Data Collection and Oversight Initiatives

The Pasadena Community Police Oversight Commission outlined expanded data collection initiatives and reviewed major policy changes during its Special Meeting held Thursday, December 12, at Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting, held in lieu of the regular December meeting, focused on strengthening oversight across technology usage, complaint handling, and community engagement.

A comprehensive new Community-Police Mediation Policy (Policy 1022) was presented, establishing formal procedures for resolving disputes between community members and police department employees. The policy requires detailed tracking of mediation outcomes while maintaining confidentiality, with an annual “Mediation Effectiveness Report” to evaluate program success.

Key technology oversight efforts included reviewing the police department’s ShotSpotter renewal contract, which Commissioners voted to recommend Council approval,  and monitoring implementation of the Mobile Observation Tower policy.

The Commission’s technology ad hoc committee reported securing commitments from the Police Department for expanded reporting, including a comprehensive review of cell site simulator usage and updates on body-worn cameras and license plate readers at the Rose Bowl.

On the pretext stop analysis front, Independent Police Auditor Richard Rosenthal reported receiving 144 community survey responses, including one in Spanish, before the December 1 closure date. The data will undergo expert analysis with findings expected by January 15, 2025.

The Commission is also preparing for leadership transition as Independent Police Auditor Rosenthal departs in December 2024. Following a formal Request for Proposal process posted on National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement and other professional sites, the selection committee conducted interviews with 12 candidates, with Rosenthal providing expertise during evaluations.

The commission’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 work plan emphasizes five key objectives:

• Evaluating pretext stops and making formal recommendations
• Monitoring police technology purchases to ensure privacy protections
• Reviewing and improving complaint handling processes
• Expanding community engagement through new outreach materials and events
• Supporting selection and onboarding of new Independent Police Auditor

To enhance community engagement, City staff is developing new outreach materials including QR-coded flyers for distribution at community events, while the Commission works to implement recommendations from the July 2024 complaint handling assessment.

The meeting highlighted the Commission’s commitment to data-driven oversight while expanding community engagement as it enters its third year of operation.