News
Audit Update: City advanced building permit reforms; Council and multi-bureau engagement noteworthy
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2021 report, "Long-standing inability to meet customers’ needs won’t improve without better management, sustained governance."
News article
Portland Fire & Rescue does not have a coherent accountability system
We found that the Portland Fire Bureau has not invested the time, attention, and resources needed for a coherent employee accountability system. We make recommendations for training and complaint, investigation, and discipline processes to help ensure that the Bureau achieves its diversity goals.
Report
Audit Update: Water Bureau not done defining roles or formulating long-term groundwater plan
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2020 report, "Groundwater: City identified risks, must develop a long-term plan to address them."
News article
Audit Update: Procurement Services is working to address some City credit card risks
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2021 report, "City credit card use slowed during pandemic but exposed underlying risks."
News article
Audit Update: Cannabis Program improved data management, communication
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2020 report, "Cannabis Program: Management fundamentals needed to improve regulation of emerging industry."
News article
Adoption of Revised Administrative Rule | June 2022
The City Auditor adopts the following interim administrative rule, effective June 24, 2022, and for a period of not more than 180 days: ARA 8.03 Public Records Requests.
Public notice
Domestic Violence Response: Special Victims Unit benefits from collaboration with partners, but patrol officers need more training
The City Auditor’s Independent Police Review (IPR) found that the Portland Police Bureau’s Special Victims Unit benefits from co-location and collaboration with service partners but officers responding to the initial calls need more trauma-informed training.
Report
2021 Annual Report
Our annual report for 2021 describes changes in workload, regaining compliance with the Department of Justice, and summarizes a policy review of how language services are used by the Police Bureau.
Report
Fraud Hotline Report: Funds wasted at veteran apartment complex
The Joint Office spent over $850,000 in rent to house needy veterans but allowed the property to deteriorate into unsafe, unsanitary conditions leaving the office scrambling to find new shelter. Without adequate oversight, the office risks wasting money intended to aid Portlanders without housing.
Report
Audit Update: New procedure reflects lessons learned from pandemic grants
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2021 report, "Prosper Portland Emergency Grants: Standards needed to ensure program integrity."
News article
Quarterly Report – Q1 2022
View Independent Police Review's 1st quarterly report of 2022.
Updated Report
Now Available: City of Portland Disclosures (Quarter 1, 2022) for Lobbying, Political Consultants, and Calendars
First Quarter 2022 disclosures for City lobbying, political consultants, and City official business calendars are now available for the public to view. Highlights are included below.
Press release
Portland City Council transitions to hybrid meetings
Starting May 4, the Portland City Council will host hybrid meetings with the option for community members to attend online or in person. The Council has been meeting virtually for more than two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
News article
Audit Update: Lents Urban Renewal – Spending continues, changes unlikely
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2020 report, "Lents Urban Renewal: 20 years of investment with minimal evaluation."
News article
Parks partially addressed wasteful spending
This is a follow-up to our 2020 hotline investigation that found wasteful spending in the Park Ranger Program.
News article
Lessons Learned: City’s response to protests exposed vulnerabilities in Portland’s police accountability system
The 2020 murder of George Floyd sparked more than 100 nights of protest in Portland. Complaints of officer misconduct at these events exposed inadequacies with the City’s ability to hold officers accountable. We recommend operational and policy improvements to strengthen the accountability system.
Report
Police Intelligence-Gathering and Surveillance: Better management needed to protect civil rights
Keeping information about political activity and using surveillance technology without safeguards infringes on First Amendment rights. Police need direction about what to collect and a process to manage records when there is no criminal activity. The Bureau also needs improved technology policies.
Report
Audit Update: City reviewing Enhanced Services Districts, Code changes possible in September
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2020 report, "Enhanced Services Districts: City provides little oversight of privately funded public services."
News article
Audit Update: City improved commitments to voters, but implementation hasn’t been publicly reported
This is a second annual follow-up to our 2019 report, "The City needs to make realistic commitments to voters and ensure they are delivered."
News article
Audit Update: City Improved Transparency and Accountability of the Cannabis Tax
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2019 report, "Cannabis Tax: Greater transparency and accountability needed."
News article
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