Council Approves Rules on Handling Police Misconduct Complaints

The City Council on Monday established rules clarifying how the Community Police Oversight Commission handles community complaints.

The new rules, developed with input from former and current Independent Police Auditor Richard Rosenthal and Teresa Magula and vetted by the City Attorney, aim to reduce confusion for residents who may not understand the limits of the commission’s role.

Under the rules, all complaints must be promptly acknowledged and residents informed about the formal process for filing misconduct allegations with the Pasadena Police Department.

If complainants are dissatisfied with the department’s resolution, they may request an audit by the Independent Police Auditor. Findings from the audits will be shared with both the complainant and the Community Police Oversight Commission, to the extent permitted by law.

The commission voted 7-1 in June, with two abstentions and one absence, to adopt the regulations.

The City Council’s Public Safety Committee advanced the proposal with unanimous support at its July 16 meeting.

Under the City Charter, the oversight commission and the Independent Police Auditor do not have the authority to investigate or adjudicate misconduct complaints against Pasadena Police Department personnel.

The commission’s role, instead, is to receive community feedback and refer complaints for review by the department. The Independent Police Auditor is empowered to audit cases once they are closed.