City of Boulder to Continue Search for New Independent Police Monitor

The City of Boulder has decided to continue its nationwide search to fill the Independent Monitor position to support the city’s Police Oversight Panel and processes. As the city works to permanently fill this vacancy, two dedicated contract personnel will provide support to the Police Oversight Panel to ensure continuity and productivity.

On Jan. 4, the city announced three finalists for the vacant Independent Monitor position. After careful consideration, a determination was made that none of the candidates had the mix of skills required for where Boulder is in its oversight journey.

“I appreciate the excellent candidates who applied for the Independent Monitor position during our initial search, and we are grateful for their participation in this competitive process. Unfortunately, we have not yet found a candidate with the specific skills and experience to fit this highly specialized staffing position. We look forward to a new influx of applications as we continue our national search for the right person,” said Aimee Kane, equity officer at the City of Boulder.

The Independent Police Monitor works in the city manager's office to support transparency, accountability, community engagement, and best practices in policing. The position receives and reviews complaints, and works with the police oversight panel, the Boulder Police Department and other city leadership to improve the performance of Boulder police.

The Office of the Independent Police Monitor was established in October 2019. City Council authorized the monitor to review all ongoing internal investigations in real time. The monitor has access to all complaint records, including body-worn camera footage, and may observe all interviews with subject officers, complainants, and witnesses. The monitor can make recommendations for additional investigation as well as disposition and disciplinary recommendations at the conclusion of the investigation. The monitor may make policy and training recommendations based on individual cases or trends in complaint allegations. The monitor is further authorized to conduct analysis of department operations and outcomes to identify and recommend improvements to police policies and practices.

As the city works to find the ideal person for this unique role, Farah Muscadin, former City of Austin Director of the Office Police Oversight, will support the police oversight panel in duties related to recent community interest in questions about the role, practices and responsibilities of the panel. This is likely to include working with the panel in reviewing current and proposed ordinance change recommendations, facilitating discussions and workshops related to possible ordinance changes being proposed to council, and assessing procedures and systems relevant to the Boulder Police Department’s civilian oversight process.

In addition, Flo Finkle with Office of Independent Review will continue to serve as the interim independent monitor, performing the core functions of the position and supporting the panel in its day-to-day work on a contract basis. Flo is one of the nation's leading experts in law enforcement accountability and oversight. Previously, she served as a consultant with the Seattle Police Monitor and Impact Justice, which staffed the District of Columbia Police Reform Commission.

“We wanted to be sure the panel was in good hands and fully supported at this critical time,” Kane said, “and we are grateful to Farah and Flo for their time, expertise and willingness to serve as we continue to address this important staffing need.”