Interim police auditor says no allegations to be filed in McWilliams review; CRB hiring continuing

Mark Gessner, Eugene's interim Independent Police Auditor, told the Police Commission on Feb. 13 that his office conducted an incident review of the McWilliams arrest and would not be bringing allegations forward against officers in that case. Gessner said his office reviewed body-worn camera, in-car video and jail footage and classified the matter as an incident review after examining search-and-seizure and truthfulness allegations.

Commissioners thanked Gessner for attending to address community concerns raised at the prior meeting. Several commissioners stressed the importance of evidence-based statements at public meetings and asked that the auditor's analysis be referenced when discussing sensitive, ongoing matters.

Separately, Commissioner Clay Veil reported on Civilian Review Board (CRB) activity: the CRB is engaged in the hiring process for a permanent Independent Police Auditor, with interviews and a community-engagement panel expected as part of the selection process. The CRB hopes to have the permanent auditor in place in April, though dates and details are subject to the city's personnel process.

Veil also summarized a recent closed investigation the CRB reviewed involving a search and seizure where charges were dropped due to evidence handling issues. He said the board's discussion highlighted the complexity of search-and-seizure law and training implications for officers.

Gessner and commissioners said community participation will be sought in the auditor hiring process and that interested commission members and community groups can express interest in participating in interview panels.