On Heels of Independent Police Auditor’s Resignation, a Police Oversight Commissioner Quits

A commissioner of the Community Police Oversight Commission resigned recently, just weeks after Brian Maxey resigned as the city’s Independent Police Auditor.

During the Commission’s meeting Thursday, Principal Administrative Analyst Amanda Fowler announced that the city has already started the formal process of seeking a new commissioner to replace lawyer and activist Patricia Kinaga, the initial appointee from District 6.

“Unfortunately, Commissioner Kinaga has resigned her position due to conflict of interest,” Fowler said. “The process has begun to start her replacement.”

“We thank her for her service. We wish her well in her new position,” she added.

According to Fowler, District 6 Councilmember Steve Madison has the authority to make a nomination for the new commissioner who will replace Kinaga and this his selection will go to the City Council for approval.

“We are hoping that that will not be a long process and that by next meeting, we will have a replacement in place for her position.”

At the same meeting, Fowler also announced that an ad hoc City Council committee composed of Councilmembers Madison, Andy Wilson, Tyron Hampton and Felicia Williams will meet to review the requests for proposal submitted by firms and individuals applying for the position of Pasadena’s Independent Police Auditor.

The application period ended on Thursday at 5 p.m. There was no mention during the meeting of how many applications have been received.

Fowler assured the Commission that the city is moving as quickly as possible to find the replacement for Maxey.

Maxey of Modern Policing left the city to return to Seattle last month.

Some commissioners earlier expressed their disappointment over his resignation, with Commissioner Alexis Abernethy saying it was “very disruptive,” considering that it is the Commission’s first year of operations..

Maxey’s resignation came just two months after the commissioners had formally convened to study their duties and responsibilities and discuss their priorities and work plan.