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Whistleblower program reports high closure rate; public email urges disclosure of co-sourced investigations
Summary
The City Services Auditor's whistleblower program reported about 90% of investigated reports closed within 90 days (Q2); staff said many reports are referred per charter. A written public comment urged the program to disclose the percentage of complaints that are co-sourced (self-investigated by accused departments) versus those directly investigated.
David Jensen, program manager for the whistleblower program, presented quarterly metrics and initiatives and said the unit has improved case closure performance: "Right now, we're doing quite well with that, and we're at 90%, through Q2 of, closing out reports that we received within 90 days." He described intake channels (online portal, email, 311, fax) and staffing mix (auditors, legal support, policy analysts) and said the program aims to close 75% of investigated reports within 90 days.
Jensen explained why some matters remain open longer: cases involving law enforcement typically require charter referrals to other oversight bodies and state-level processes; some investigations are delayed when key employees are on leave. "Most often, those 5 that are hanging out there, are often complaints, about law enforcement, that aren't appropriately or charter referred to, the Department of Public, Police Accountability," Jensen said.
Public comment: staff read one emailed public comment asking the whistleblower office to disclose how many complaints were co-sourced (referred back to the accused departments) versus directly investigated and monitored. The email suggested disclosure "would clarify the balance between direct and referred investigations" and improve scrutiny of oversight mechanisms.
Staff response and next steps: Jensen acknowledged many complaints are referred by law and said the office can discuss metrics and reporting practices; he described ongoing liaison trainings and upcoming webinars intended to increase transparency and capability across departments.
Provenance: presentation and public comment (transcript evidence SEG 910–SEG 1236 and SEG 1233–SEG 1252).
