Pasadena City Council Approves Contract for Independent Police Auditor Services

The City Council approved a $175,000 contract on Monday allowing the Office of Independent Review to serve as the city’s next Independent Police Auditor (IPA).

“It sounds like OIR group is well qualified to do this,” said Councilmember Steve Madison.

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

The OIR group has conducted administrative probes for the city in several officer-involved shootings, including the Anthony McClain (2020), Kendrec McDade (2012), and Leroy Barnes (2009) incidents. The city would not use the OIR group for future officer-involved shooting incidents while the contract is ongoing. According to City Attorney Michele Bagneris, the city is already considering alternatives.

The group released administrative reviews containing recommendations for policy changes on those incidents.

Madison said steps need to be taken to make sure the OIR group does not use the contract to validate past recommendations made by the OIR group as part of administrative reviews conducted after officer-involved shootings.

The one-year $175,000 project establishes the OIR group as the city’s third IPA. The City Council stopped short of hiring the group for $83,700 in 2021 and instead went with Brian Maxey. Maxey took the job in June 2021 and abruptly left in January the following year to return to the Seattle Police Department.

Richard Rosenthal was later hired in the position.

The IPA serves as a best practices consultant to the city’s 11-member Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), reviews use-of-force incidents and investigations, and recommends changes on police procedures and officer training.

The recommendation to hire OIR Group comes after a comprehensive selection process. A separate ad hoc committee staffed by members of the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) also unanimously endorsed the firm, praising its experience and expertise in law enforcement oversight.

Teresa Magula will take the lead for the OIR.

“OIR 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 U.S. 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.