IPA MISSION

The mission of the Office of the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) is to provide independent oversight of and instill confidence in the complaint process through objective review of police misconduct investigations. By providing outreach to the San Jose community and making thoughtful policy recommendations to the City Council, the IPA works to promote accountability and to strengthen the relationship between the San Jose Police Department and the community it serves.

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IPA GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. The IPA strives to ensure that all concerns reported by members of the public are classified and investigated at the appropriate level based upon the premise that any case brought forward containing misconduct issues will be classified as a complaint with associated allegations, findings and officer names tracked.
2. The IPA reaches out to inform the community about the complaint process and to listen and respond to broader community concerns.
3. The IPA carefully considers aggregate data from complaints, community concerns and public policy in crafting recommendations aimed toward improving the quality services of the San Jose Police Department.

NEWS, NEWS, NEWS ...

1. The IPA Adopts the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) Code of Ethics (Code). At the 12th Annual Conference in Boise in 2006, NACOLE adopted a Code of Ethics for practitioners of oversight of law enforcement. Oversight agencies were asked to adopt the Code and abide by the standards. The IPA is proud to be a part of this important step in the development of the civilian oversight profession.

2. We have not moved but our address has changed! Same offices, same building, but the official address is now: 75 East Santa Clara Street, Suite P-93 (lower level), San José, CA 95113.

3. Community outreach & presentations are available. The IPA Office conducts presentations to educate the community about the complaint process and the role of the Independent Police Auditor. Youth presentations introducing the “Student Guide to Police Practices” inform youth about dealing with interactions with law enforcement. If your school, church, neighborhood association, community group, organization, or agency is interested in such a presentation, please do not hesitate to call us. For further information, contact Diane Doolan at (408) 794-6231.