Council to Consider Consultant Contract for Independent Police Auditor Services

The Office of Independent Review Group could serve as the City’s next Independent Police Auditor (IPA), according to an item contained in Monday’s City Council agenda.

The Office of Independent Review Group is a California-based consulting firm specializing in independent police oversight and review. It was founded by Principal Michael Gennaco, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement reform and former Chief Attorney of the Office of Independent Review for Los Angeles County. The firm offers comprehensive assessments of law enforcement agencies, critical incident reviews, and policy assessments.

A City Council ad hoc committee comprised of Councilmembers Tyron Hampton, Justin Jones, Jason Lyon, and Gene Masuda unanimously recommended the group.

If the City Council approves the one-year $175,000 project, the Office of Independent Review Group will serve as the City’s third Independent Police Auditor.

Brian Maxey had a short-lived stint in the position followed by Richard Rosenthal, who is set to leave the position early next year.

The Office of Independent Review Group has conducted administrative probes for the City of Pasadena in several officer-involved shootings, including the Anthony McClain (2020), Kendrec McDade (2012) and Leroy Barnes (2009) incidents.

The City Council voted against hiring the group for $83,700 in 2021 and instead went with Maxey. Maxey took the job in June 2021 and abruptly left in January the following year to return to the Seattle Police Department.

The Independent Police Auditor will serve as a best practices consultant to the City’s 11-member Community Police Oversight Commission, review use-of-force incidents and investigations, and recommend changes on police procedures and officer training.

The recommendation to hire Office of Independent Review Group comes after a comprehensive selection process, including input from the City Council Ad Hoc Committee comprised of Councilmembers Tyron Hampton, Justin Jones, Gene Masuda and Jason Lyon. A separate Ad Hoc committee staffed by members of the Community Police Oversight Commission also unanimously endorsed the firm, praising its experience and expertise in law enforcement oversight.

“Office of Independent Review Group, based in Southern California, has extensive experience working with public entities since 2001,” according to a City staff report. “Its lead representative, Teresa Magula, brings a wealth of experience, having served as a Special Investigator for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Office of Inspector General. She also has worked with the United States and California Departments of Justice on matters related to use of force and accountability.”

In addition to Magula, the firm will be supported by experts Julie Ruhlin and Stephen Connolly, who have a background in independent police review and oversight.