APD Expands Accountability Report Card
July 14, 2020
APD is expanding the use of a new Accountability Report Card that tracks the progress that officers and supervisors are making as they meet key policy requirements under the Court-Approved Settlement Agreement.
“You can’t change the culture in police departments without transparency and accountability,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “Modern technology like body cameras are a necessary first step toward reform. But APD is leading in our state by embracing effective policies, training and accountability that must accompany that technology.”
APD created the report card in January 2019 to focus first on the Field Services Bureau, which includes hundreds of patrol officers and supervisors. An auditor is assigned to each of the six area commands to help track policies related to supervision, firearms and On-Body Recording Devices. Auditors focus on a sample of officers each month.
For example, patrol officers are held accountable for properly activating their recording devices and uploading video prior to the end of their next shifts. APD revised its policy for On-Body Recording Devices as part of the settlement agreement with the Department of Justice.
“This is what police reform accountability looks like,” said APD Chief Mike Geier. “We are learning from national best practices and adopting our own accountability systems to ensure we are truly changing the culture at APD.”
During the first month of the report card, some area commands saw as few as 40-50% of officers in the sample group meeting some the standards set by the policy for recording devices. Now, the vast majority of monthly samples are within policy.
“In addition to highlighting problem areas, we also offer tools and one-on-one assistance to supervisors to help them improve their team’s performance,” said Accountability and Oversight Division Commander Cori Lowe.
The Accountability Report Card is being expanded for use by APD’s Metro Traffic Unit, followed soon by Impact detectives and the Auto Theft Unit.
APD also started using the report card in January 2020 as part of its Duke City Stats initiative. Deputy Chiefs of Police meet twice a month with Commanders to highlight progress as well as areas of improvement. Results from the accountability report card are also shared during those meetings to hold Commanders accountable.