New Rules on Handling Police Misconduct Complaints Go Before Council Monday

The City Council on Monday will consider approving new rules that clarify how community complaints of police misconduct are handled, following recommendations from the Community Police Oversight Commission.

The commission voted 7-1 in June, with two abstentions and one absence, to adopt the regulations, which outline how complaints directed to the commission, the Independent Police Auditor, or support staff should be processed.

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

Under Pasadena’s municipal code, the oversight commission and the independent auditor do not have the authority to investigate or adjudicate misconduct complaints against the Pasadena Police Department personnel.

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

The new rules, developed with input from former and current 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.

They require that all complaints be promptly acknowledged and that residents be 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 such audits will be shared with both the complainant and the oversight commission, to the extent permitted by law.

If approved, the rules will become part of the commission’s official procedures, formalizing practices that have been taking shape since the commission’s formation.