Independent police auditor reports fewer recommendations, praises department oversight

Michael Genaco, the city—s independent police auditor, told the Santa Rosa City Council that the third annual audit of police oversight shows fewer corrective recommendations than in prior years and reflects a shift from basic fixes to "graduate-level" adjustments.

Genaco and his colleague Stephen Connolly of the OIR Group said the office—s real-time monitoring model — in which auditors are notified when a complaint is opened and can consult during investigations — lets them intervene while cases are still active, rather than criticizing decisions after the fact.

"In the real time monitoring, we can have a real impact while that case is going on," Genaco said. "We can save a case from falling off a cliff." Connolly added that the department's investigations are "thorough" and that the city—s approach to engaging complainants has improved.

Nut graf: The OIR report, covering cases opened in 2024, found 62 investigations were opened that year (about 0.05 percent of ~117,000 officer responses to calls for service). The auditors said systemic improvements — new training positions, a major incident review board and enhanced pursuit review — are strengthening internal review even as the number of formal recommendations declines.

Most important findings

- Caseload and process: The auditors said 62 cases were opened in 2024, of which roughly 10 were self-initiated by the department. OIR emphasized that its model of early involvement enables it to request additional witness interviews or investigative steps while a case is active.

- Use-of-force and review changes: OIR highlighted the creation of a Major Incident Review Board and a permanent training cadre (a sergeant and two full-time officers) to perform deeper reviews and follow-up training. Connolly called those additions "very, very significant" for improving how the department reviews significant incidents.

- Vehicle pursuits: OIR conducted a special review of a sample of the department—s 45 pursuits in 2024. Auditors found the department generally identified issues and followed up appropriately, while suggesting some "refinements on the edges."

- Transparency and public engagement: Genaco noted that OIR—s real-time work, combined with regular briefings to the city manager and a public annual report, creates greater transparency than typical after-the-fact auditing models. The auditors also said they will meet with the newly formed advisory group to discuss the report.

Council and public response

Councilmembers praised the auditors and the department—s cooperation. Councilmember McDonald asked dispatch statistics; Chief Kriegen said dispatch handled roughly 184,000 incoming calls in 2024 and officers responded to about 117,000 of those. Genaco and Connolly noted that a small fraction of calls leads to internal investigations.

Members of the public both praised the auditors and offered criticisms of individual police interactions. One speaker said she had received a quick response from the chief when she complained about a perceived lack of respect shown to a grieving visitor; another speaker urged the council to ensure oversight continues.

Ending: Council accepted the report and thanked the auditors and the police department for their cooperation. OIR told the council it will publish the full written report and continue real-time monitoring and community engagement.