Audit leads to Santa Barbara Police Department recommendations

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-The Santa Barbara City Council learned the results of an audit on Tuesday.

The Audit by the OIR Group involves an independent oversight and review.

It recommended the department change its reporting policy when police point a firearm at someone.

It recommends that kind of act be reported as a use of force.

And the mayor said audits like this are going on across the country..

"It has been consistent the years I have been here and it has always been a cultural thing for us and it has been a part of the community," said Mayor Randy Rowse, "It is unfortunate that all police departments across the country were thrown into the same pool, but we have been our own community for a long time and this department has been great."

Rowse said community policing policies have paid off.

The audit group also made dozens of of other recommendations involving the complaint process.

Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Gordon, who was appointed to the post in late August, attended the city council meeting on Tuesday.

"I am pleased that the audit aligned with many of the improvements and refinements that we are already in the process of implementing," said Chief Kelly, " It also affirms that our department fundamentals are strong and that our staff excels in regard to how we engage with the community and investigate both internal and external complaints, as well as conduct Use of Force investigations."

Mayor Rowse appeared proud of the results.

"We have an exemplary department and we have always had very good calls in terms of any kinds of use of force or de-escalation along those lines," said Rowse.

For a portion of the audit provided to the Santa Barbara City Council, click here.