Independent Police Auditor outlines 2026 audit scope, including use-of-force and bias-related cases

The Independent Police Auditor updated the Modesto Community Police Review Board on his office's audit calendar and scope for the coming year, saying the audit will focus on critical incidents, internal affairs investigations and uses of force.

"There are a few categories of things that are established in the scope of work that are going to form the basis for this year's audit," the auditor said, describing three focus areas: critical incidents (including officer-involved shootings, though some remain incomplete and will be reported later), internal affairs cases (with automatic selection for allegations of bias and supervisor-named subjects) and a random one-quarter sample of other complaints and uses of force.

The auditor said he expects to receive materials from the department within one to two weeks and aims to report back to the board in April. He told members that random selection is the standard protocol but confirmed that at least some complaints tied to recent protests will be included because of their nature.

Board members asked whether the auditor can request specific cases; he said selections are random under his protocol but that specified categories are prioritized for review. The auditor encouraged continued coordination with MPD staff as the auditor assembles materials and begins fieldwork.