Public urges POAC to hire independent police auditor, fill youth seat and publish fuller agendas

Members of the public told the Police Oversight and Accountability Commission on Tuesday that hiring an independent police auditor and filling an 18‑to‑25 youth alternate seat should be immediate priorities.

Speakers including Sherriann Grimm and Sana, an organizer with ACLU NorCal, argued the IPA and independent legal counsel are crucial to POAC’s credibility. “An independent police auditor and truly independent legal counsel are not procedural details,” Grimm said. “They are the foundation of public trust.” Sana urged the commission to publish more detailed agendas with attachments so working families and caregivers can decide whether to participate.

Public commenters repeatedly said the city’s history of police violence makes independence essential. One speaker cited pending liability tied to law‑enforcement misconduct and warned that fiscal risk increases without credible oversight. Several speakers also pressed the commission to appoint the youth alternate seat so younger voices have representation.

Staff told the commission a draft RFP for the IPA had been circulated to commissioners and that staff expects to issue a public RFP early next week with a four‑week proposal window. Some public speakers urged the commission to discuss the draft RFP in public before it is published so the community can weigh in on qualifications and outreach.

The chair and staff said they are working to balance timeliness and transparency, and that additional information on the IPA recruitment will be provided to the commission and posted when available.

The commission did not take a final hiring vote at the meeting; staff said proposals will be returned for review once the RFP process concludes.