Title
Adoption of Ordinance Adding New Chapter 20 to Phoenix City Code Establishing Office of Accountability and Transparency (Ordinance G-6851)
Description
Request approval of the Ordinance adding Chapter 20 to the Phoenix City Code creating the Office of Accountability and Transparency. This item was requested by Mayor Kate Gallego and Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia according to the Council Rules of Proceedings 2(c) (Attachment A).
Report
Summary
Adoption of this Ordinance will establish the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT) in the City Manager's Office. The OAT will monitor or participate in investigations that are brought forth against members of the Phoenix Police Department. It also will provide recommendations for training, policy, hiring practices, disciplinary actions and other oversight of the Police Department on behalf of the community. This item and draft Ordinance were discussed at a City Council Work Study Session on Sept. 8, 2020, City Council Policy Session on Oct. 13, 2020 and the City Council Formal Meeting on Nov. 18, 2020. The draft Ordinance from Nov. 18, 2020, which defines the role of the OAT Director and outlines the scope and duties of the Director and OAT office is attached (Attachment B).
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
City Council approved an item for creation of the OAT on Feb. 25, 2020 by a vote of 5-4. Further Council action has been taken authorizing the first year's budget allocation and creating the staff positions for the OAT. A motion to adopt the Ordinance on Nov. 18, 2020 failed by a vote of 5-4.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer, the City Manager's Office and the Law Department.