Council committee approves Richard Okello as director of Systems's Police Complaint Office; he outlines outreach and training gains

The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee voted Jan. 15 to approve the mayor's appointment of Richard Okello as director of the Systems Police Complaint Office.

Okello, who has worked in the office since 2021 first as an investigator and later as director, provided an update on complaint-board work, staff training and community outreach. He told the committee the board reviewed 28 complaints in 2024 that involved 34 officers and that complaints were concentrated in IMPD's north and east districts. Okello said the complaints most commonly fell under categories of "conduct unbecoming an officer" and "substandard performance."

Okello described steps taken to expand outreach and public education: the office has held meetings in community hubs and built partnerships with neighborhood centers to inform residents about the complaint process. He also said staff and board members completed substantial training: board members logged more than 250 hours and staff recorded more than 180 hours, he said, including ride-alongs and a community scenario-based training organized with IMPD leadership.

When Councilor Carlos Perkins asked what percentage of investigations resulted in disciplinary outcomes, Okello said the office was still compiling that data and that the information would appear in IMPD's 2024 annual report.

The committee approved Okello's appointment by voice vote. Several councilors thanked Okello for the office's work to date and for expanded outreach and training initiatives.

The committee record does not include a roll-call tally; the motion carried by voice vote.