DEPARTMENT: Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Update - SAPD Investigative Process Review
SUMMARY:
During the November 28, 2017 Public Safety Committee meeting, the SAPD provided a general overview of the investigative process and the Department’s efforts to review and evaluate the investigative process in response to the mishandling of SVU cases identified during a self-initiated internal audit. The review, which is scheduled to be completed by February 2018, is comprised of the following: Internal Investigative Unit SOP Review, Community SOP Review Committee, Independent SVU Case Review and a Subject Matter Expert Review. The goal of the review is to ensure adherence to existing SOPs and implement improvements to enhance efficiency, oversight and accountability.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Internal Investigative Unit SOP Review
In November 2017, the SAPD initiated an internal review of all investigative unit SOPs by a committee comprised of officers of various ranks with investigative experience. The review was conducted November 7-17, 2017 and resulted in several enhancements and recommendations to strengthen existing policies. Among the enhancements and recommendations made by the committee include:
• The creation of a follow-up unit information sheet to facilitate more efficient communication between officers and crime victims throughout the investigative process
• Establish guidelines for communicating with crime victims to provide updates on status of individual cases
• Formalize the supervisory review of case assignments to ensure activity, review progress and establish audit procedures
• Require supervisor review of felony cases prior to final disposition and limit closure of misdemeanor cases without supervisor to detectives and administrative staff with previous authorization from unit director
• Modification of evidence collection and retention procedures
Community SOP Review Committee
Several Public Safety Committee members encouraged the SAPD to incorporate community participation into the review process. To this end, on January 23, 2018, the SAPD will meet with a three-member Community SOP Review Committee. The members of the committee are as follows:
• Robert Rico - University of Texas San Antonio
• Drew Galloway - Move SA
• Shawn Price - West End Hope
The role of the committee is to review the recommendations and SOP enhancements identified by the internal SOP review, provide feedback to enhance customer service to victims of crime.
Independent SVU Case Review
In response to the mishandling of SVU cases identified during the self-initiated internal audit, the City Manager requested that the City Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with outside counsel, conduct a review of all SVU cases dating back to 2014. It is anticipated that the independent review will be completed in late January with findings to be presented to City Council at a future executive session.
Subject Matter Expert Review
Mr. Bob Stewart with Bobcat Consulting, who has over 28 years of law enforcement experience with DC Metro Police as well as serving as a Police Chief in Florida, will conduct a review of all SAPD standard operating procedures that pertain to the investigative process. Mr. Stewart focused on reviewing the enhancements and recommendations identified by the internal review, identifying best practices and suggesting strategies for enhancing policies and procedures. Mr. Stewart will present his findings and recommendations to the Public Safety Committee during its January 23, 2018 meeting.
ISSUE:
The SAPD has initiated a comprehensive review of its investigative process to include an evaluation of existing SOPs and the level of communication and overall customer service offered to victims of crime. The SAPD remains committed to implementing policies and procedures that restores, builds and maintains trust and confidence in its investigative capacity and enhances its relationship with the community.