Independent Reviewer

Position Description

Under limited direction of and reporting to the City Manager, the Independent Reviewer is responsible for auditing and reviewing investigations, reviewing inquiry and complaint logs, identifying and monitoring trends in the Police Department, and serving as a resource. This is an unclassified position in which the incumbent serves at the will of the City Manager and exercises supervision over assigned staff.

The Independent Reviewer performs specialized audits of investigations involving highly confidential issues of significant scope and prepares an audit report to evaluate the adequacy and thoroughness of the investigation and the quality and accuracy of the investigative report. Incumbents serve as a liaison and resource to the community with the goal of strengthening the partnerships between the community and the Police Department, and serves as a resource to police officers and managers for consultation regarding recommendations for changes to policies.

The responsibilities and essential functions of the Independent Reviewer may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Prepares and Conducts audits of use of force investigations, including officer-involved shootings, investigations of in-custody deaths, and complaints involving racial, ethnic, or religious bias.
- Conducts regular reoccurring meetings with the Police Chief and others to share and receive pertinent information, discuss relevant issues and develop mutual understanding that will help facilitate an effective relationship between the City and the public as well as ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies; makes recommendations relative to best practices.
- Conducts presentations to community groups, professional organizations, neighborhood associations, the media, and schools to educate the community and to solicit suggestions on strengthening the partnership between the community and the Police Department.
- Reviews Police Department inquiry forms and compliant logs to identify unresolved inquiries and any trends in allegations that may require follow up or further action; determines if any inquiries should have been investigated as a complaint of misconduct rather than addressed as an inquiry.
- Works in cooperation with Internal Affairs to identify areas that may be appropriate for data collection based on regular review of the inquiry and complaint logs.
- Conducts public outreach to educate and promote the mission and role of the Office of Independent Review and to inform the community of the process and procedures for investigation of complaints.
- Serves as a liaison and works in partnership with the community, meeting with community leaders, public officials, and professional organizations gathering input, feedback, and responding to sensitive and complex community and organizational inquiries and complaints.
- Performs fieldwork to obtain data relating to audits of Police Department programs and operations; conducts interviews and prepares supporting documentation; identifies causes or contributing factors relating to problems and recommends possible improvements in methods of operation and performance and/or record keeping.
- Prepares formal audit memoranda, reports, and presentations detailing deficiencies and recommendations for corrective action to improve operations and ensure sound internal control; discusses findings and recommendations with appropriate management personnel.
- Reviews the system of internal controls and confirms adequacy and effectiveness of the controls; identifies deviations from policies and standards and evaluates policies, plans, and procedures; conducts quality control reviews to ensure that completed audits and work papers comply with audit standards.
- Keeps current with developments and issues in local government and stays abreast of evolving audit techniques and practices in order to maintain or enhance delivery of service and responsibilities.
- Produces annual reports analyzing trends and patterns, and recommending improvements to the complaint review process, Police Department training needs, as well as procedural changes which will improve police/ community relations.
- Performs related duties as assigned.

Pay,Benefits, & Work Schedule

The annual salary range for the Independent Reviewer is $118,512 up to $204,648. The City also offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

Health Insurance: The City maintains a PPO plan through the City of Fresno Health and Welfare Trust. The City contributes toward the current monthly premium for medical, prescription, dental, and vision for employee and dependents.

Flexible Spending Account Program: The City maintains IRS Section 125 Plan that includes spending accounts for health care and dependent care.

Auto Allowance: Dependent upon provisions set forth in Administrative Order 2-2.

Deferred Compensation: 457 plan available which allows tax contribution up to IRS determined limits.

Management Leave: 108 hours (pro-rated) per fiscal year with an annual cash out provision.

Supplemental Management Leave: Up to 32 hours at the discretion of the City Manager. This leave may be placed in a retiree Heath Reimbursement Arrangement account.

Annual Leave: Accrue 15.50 hours per month, with cash out provisions.

Holidays: Ten (10) City-observed holidays annually, plus birthday and two (2) personal days per year.

Life Insurance: Equal to annual salary; premium paid by City.

Long-Term Disability: City pays premium for 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days.

Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP): DROP is an optional, voluntary program that allows for retirement benefits deposited in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno. To participate, must be at least age 50 with 5 years of service. Benefits include: ownership of DROP account monies; compound interest earnings; and alternative distribution options.

The Requirements

The City of Fresno is seeking a dedicated, experienced professional with a balance of both strong leadership and well-rounded technical skills to serve as its Independent Reviewer. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, organized, and detail-oriented, and capable of working independently to accomplish goals and meet established schedules and deadlines. An individual with a successful track record of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with elected officials, City management and staff, representatives of community organizations, public and private agencies, as well as the general public is sought.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high degree of political sensitivity, and the ability to apply objectivity and impartiality even under the most difficult of circumstances. Candidates who can demonstrate strong facilitation, negotiation, and diplomacy skills in their appointed role are highly desired. The City will benefit from a problem solver who can think objectively and act strategically. The candidate must demonstrate sound independent judgment and initiative, uncompromising ethics, and the highest level of integrity, while at the same time be able to collaborate with personnel from the Police Department and other City offices.

The incoming Independent Reviewer will possess exceptional interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills as well as creative problem solving abilities. The incumbent will need to quickly grasp the complexity and depth of the City's diversity and the challenges faced by professional policing and focus on effective solutions to achieve successful results for the community and the City.

A successful candidate will have knowledge in the areas related to auditing law enforcement organizations; police department operations, practices, and procedures, personnel issues, the California Penal Code, relevant case law and court decisions, and the procedural protections provided to officers pursuant to the Peace Officer's Bill of Rights; law enforcement administration, including governmental operations, civil service rules and regulations, city charter provisions, ordinances, local, state, and federal laws; administrative, constitutional, criminal and public records laws and procedures; principles and methods in development and administration of sound departmental goals, objectives, policies and methods for evaluating achievement and performance levels; and report writing techniques, general research and analytical techniques including program evaluation and operational auditing.

Any combination of related experience and education as approved by the City Manager may be considered qualifying. As detailed above, candidates must be experienced in and knowledgeable of police procedures, legal research, and analyzing criminal, constitutional, labor, and civil rights law. A law degree from an accredited college or university is desirable. In addition, the possession of a valid Class C California driver's license may be required at time of appointment.

How To Apply

If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please complete an employment application at www.fresno.gov/jobs and include letter of interest, a comprehensive resume, and five professional references.

This recruitment is scheduled to close on September 23, 2025.

Other Information

The Office of Independent Review (OIR) works to strengthen community trust in the Fresno Police Department by providing neutral, third-party review of police policies, procedures, strategies, and internal investigations. The OIR provides the City's leaders and the public with objective analysis of policing data, actions, and outcomes.

The OIR analyzes complaints filed by citizens with the Police Department Internal Affairs Division to ensure they have been investigated fairly and thoroughly. The OIR also provides an objective analysis of individual units within the police department to ensure compliance with policy and procedure, best practices, and the law. This includes recommendations on findings to increase thoroughness, quality, and accuracy of each police unit reviewed.

The work of the OIR is guided by the following principles:
- Independence
- Fairness
- Integrity and Honesty
- Transparency
- Participation of Stakeholders
- Acceptance, Cooperation, and Access
- Obedience to Legal Constraints

The Community

With a population of approximately 540,000 residents, Fresno is the fifth-largest city in California and serves as the financial, industrial, trade, and commercial capital of the central San Joaquin Valley.

The city is located between two National Parks, residents and visitors enjoy Fresno's proximity to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. Our Mediterranean climate allows for year-round recreational activities, including sailing, snow and water skiing, fishing, backpacking, and golfing.

Living in Fresno has the benefit of urban amenities and the unique charm of a suburban atmosphere. Housing options are competitively lower than other major metropolitan areas. There are four large school districts including Fresno Unified, Central Unified, Sanger Unified, and Clovis Unified, and a variety of private institutions. The City is also home to colleges and universities, most notably California State University, Fresno. Residents enjoy various social, cultural, and athletic activities in an affordable, community environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Closing Date/Time: 09/23/2025

• 

• City of Fresno

Show more