The Anaheim City Council approved an attorney services and consulting agreement with Arif Alakhan and Alakhan Insights LLC by a 7-0 vote, authorizing a one-year term with up to four optional one-year renewals and directing staff to provide additional performance information prior to any renewal.

Deputy Chief Chuck Sonamoh presented the item on behalf of the police department, saying the consultant would "analyze the practices, processes, and protocols of the department and develop a program and strategy to ensure compliance with the principles of constitutional policing and procedural justice." The department issued an RFP and received three responsive proposals; staff recommended Alakhan based on experience, price and responsiveness.

Council debate focused on scale, transparency and measurable outcomes. Several council members asked for specifics on the number and types of officers who have received training from the consultant in past engagements, requested key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring return on the contract dollars, and sought assurance the work would not be limited to command staff. The city attorney's office said the consultant brings specialized, cross‑jurisdictional experience and national perspective not available in-house, and that the consultant had worked with the Department of Justice and other agencies on preventative measures.

In response to council concerns the maker of the motion amended the approval to explicitly require staff to return with performance data and an informational review before the city exercises any optional renewal. The council approved the amended motion 7-0.

City staff said the contract is intended to provide policy review, auditing and training support, continuity for complaint procedures and reviews of use-of-force and other critical incidents, and to assist with community engagement and risk-management efforts. Staff said the services are expected to taper if a dedicated police legal advisor position is added in the future.