Independent Police Auditor No Longer Working With City

According to a city statement, the city is searching for a new independent police auditor (IPA).

The City Council voted 7-1 to appoint Brian Maxey of Modern Policing to the position in June.

But on Monday the city announced that Maxey was no longer serving in the position.

“The City of Pasadena’s Independent Police Auditor (IPA), Brian Maxey of Modern Policing, has returned to the Seattle Police Department as its Chief Operating Officer, and will therefore no longer serve as our IPA, effective immediately,” the statement read.

Maxey helped usher the Seattle Police Department and the city through the federal consent decree process from 2015 to 2018.

A consent decree is an agreement between involved parties submitted in writing to a court. Seattle found itself under a consent decree after a U.S. Department of Justice investigation. The 2012 consent decree demanded the department overhaul its use-of-force practices and modes of discipline and create a civilian oversight commission.

After he was selected as Pasadena’s IPA in June, Maxey said he would step down if the Police Oversight Commission decided he was not the right person after he met with them.

The Police Oversight Commission is scheduled to receive an update on the IPA when it meets at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

In April, city staff recommended the city sign with Michael Genacco’s Office of Independent Review for the IPA work, but that matter was pulled from the agenda and further proposals were solicited.

An ad hoc council committee consisting of Vice Mayor Andy Wilson and Councilmembers Tyron Hampton, Steve Madison, and Felicia Williams conducted interviews with the leading candidates.

The IPA’s duties include, among other things, serving as a best-practices adviser to the (Police Oversight) Commission, reviewing categorical uses of force by Pasadena Police Department officers, reviewing investigations of personnel complaints of bias-based policing, and recommending changes to PPD policies, procedures, or officer training,” according to a city staff report.

“Mr. Maxey has been very helpful in his role with the City and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” the statement read. “The City will be releasing a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to contract with a new Independent Police Auditor. In the meantime, the Community Police Oversight Commission is committed to advancing their work and will continue to meet regularly.”

If you are interested in submitting an RFP, please contact Amanda Fowler at afowler@cityofpasadena.net or (626) 744-7888.