In October 2020, we began a performance audit of the Police Department’s policies, procedures and programs. The audit focused on several key areas, including:

• Interactions with unsheltered individuals
• Interactions with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises
• Community engagement, with particular attention to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)
• Responses to assemblies and crowds
• Department capacity
• Use of force
• Officer accountability

The resulting recommendations were informed by best practices and considered the City’s budget, available resources and community capacity.

Independent Assessment of the Salem Police Department

Key Documents

• Independent Assessment of Policies, Procedures, and Operations – April 22, 2021
• Message from the Steering Committee – April 29, 2021
• Chief of Police Memo Regarding Assessment – April 29, 2021

Purpose of the Performance Audit

The performance audit was initiated to address community and City Council concerns about how Salem police officers:

• Prepare for and interact with unsheltered individuals and those experiencing behavioral health crises
• Respond to peaceful assemblies, permitted protests, demonstrations and impromptu crowds
• Balance responses to calls with unobligated patrol time, which allows officers to engage with residents and build relationships

Importance of Officer Accountability

Maintaining public trust requires fair and transparent systems for reviewing and adjudicating complaints.

• Complainants must have confidence that their concerns are addressed without bias.
• Police officers must trust the integrity and competence of their colleagues and the accountability process.

Guiding Questions

The performance audit was guided by the following questions:

• Are the Police Department’s policies and tactics aligned with City Council and community values and expectations?
• What is the department’s capacity for community policing?
• How effective are Salem police officers in engaging with all residents, including youth?
• Are the department’s policies, tactics or training biased or discriminatory?
• How effective are the Police Department’s and City’s systems for officer accountability?

Third-Party Review

We selected Hillard Heintze to conduct the Community Policing Performance Audit. Their team brought extensive expertise in:

• Policing
• Community engagement
• Equity and inclusion

Selection Process

The evaluation committee, composed of experts in accountability, performance auditing, policing, outreach, and policy analysis, unanimously recommended Hillard Heintze. The team was chosen with confidence and enthusiasm for their ability to address this critical work.

Community Engagement

To supplement virtual meetings, Hillard Heintze conducted extensive community interviews. Their work was supported by a staff group that included representatives from:

• The City Manager’s Office
• The City Attorney’s Office
• Human Resources
• The Police Department

Project Documents

• Timeline for Salem Community Policing Audit 140 KB 10/14/2020

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Steering Committee

To support the performance audit and ensure meaningful engagement with the community, we assembled a Steering Committee. This advisory group included community leaders with expertise in the focus areas outlined in the audit.

Role of the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee served as a sounding board during key milestones and decision points throughout the audit process. Members reviewed preliminary findings and recommendations, providing valuable input to shape the final outcomes.

• Chair: Jodi Sherwood, who also serves as the Chair of the Salem Community Police Review Board

Meetings and Key Contributions

The Steering Committee met seven times to:

• Review initial findings
• Prepare an interim report for the City Council in December 2020
• Finalize the audit report and recommendations for a Joint Work Session with the City Council

Accessibility

In alignment with the City’s practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, all Steering Committee meetings were available for streaming to ensure transparency and public access.

Committee Members

• Jodi Sherwood
  
  • Community Police Review Board Chair
  • Officer Accountability
• Ann-Marie Bandfield
  
  • Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council
  • Service Spectrum: Acute and Forensic Behavioral Health
• George Burke
  
  • Deputy Chief of Police
  • Salem Police Department Polices, Programs, and Activities
• Levi Herrera
  
  • Mano a Mano
  • BIPOC Community Member
• Kathleen Jonathan
  
  • Salem-Keizer School District
  • BIPOC Community Member
• Ashley Hamilton
  
  • ARCHES
  • Service Spectrum: Unsheltered Community
• Casey Kopcho
  
  • Oregon Secretary of State Audits Division
• Cyndi Leinassar
  
  • Salem Health & Salem Police Foundation
  • Service Spectrum: Unsheltered
• Wilma Marchbanks
  
  • Salem Human Rights Commission
  • BIPOC Community Member
• Scotty Nowning
  
  • Salem Police Employees Union
  • Salem Police Department Employee