News
Gang Enforcement Audits Update: Police Bureau has improved patrol activities, but still needs a policy for using gang information
Since our 2018 audits on the Police Bureau's Gang Enforcement Team, the Police Bureau has formed new units. This follow-up on our 2018 recommendations found the Bureau has improved patrol activities, but still needs a policy for using gang information.
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Fraud Hotline Report: Purchasing problems lead to inefficiency and mistrust
The Auditor’s Office found evidence of inefficiency when investigating a tip about sole source contracting by the Community Safety Division. We shared our findings and recommendations to Community Safety and Procurement Services, which provided guidance and training to the Division.
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
Police Bureau continued to make headway on managing overtime and second jobs
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2019 report, "Police Overtime: Management is lax despite high overtime use."
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Police Intelligence Gathering and Surveillance Audit – End of Planning Update
We put this webpage together to share the results of the planning phase of the police intelligence audit and to let you know how we came up with the audit objective.
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Police Overtime Update: Improvements made in reporting; policy changes in process
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2019 report, "Police Overtime: Management is lax despite high overtime use."
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Fraud Hotline report: Police Bureau put money that could have been used for other City priorities at risk when it failed to remedy concerns about grant funds
The Police Bureau risked spending more than $400,000 in General Fund money instead of federal grant funds because it did not heed warnings that the Sex Crimes Unit was out of compliance with grant requirements.
Report
Police Overtime: Management is lax despite high overtime use
Portland Police overtime was high by historical standards in 2018. Officers worked nearly 250,000 hours and the Bureau spent $15.7 million on overtime. We found management of overtime for patrol officers could be improved.
Report
Police Bureau ended the most active list of gang members and associates
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2018 report, "Gang Crime Investigations: Lack of accountability and transparency reduced the community's trust in police."
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Police Bureau still needs to evaluate the effectiveness of traffic stops
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2018 report, "Gang Enforcement Patrol: The Police Bureau must show that traffic stops are effective."
News article
Portland Police: Improvements made to training program
The Portland Police Bureau implemented or is in the process of implementing 12 recommendations made by the City Auditor in 2015 to improve police officer training, according to our follow-up audit.
Report
Gang Enforcement Patrol: The Police Bureau must show that traffic stops are effective
Auditors found racial disparities: 59 percent of the Gang Enforcement Team’s traffic stops affected African Americans. Community members told auditors their concerns about such stops.
Report
Gang Crime Investigations: Lack of accountability and transparency reduced the community's trust in police
The Police Bureau was still collecting information about people’s gang associations, auditors found. Such practices raised concerns and potential legal questions.
Report
Red Light Cameras: City can fine tune some program aspects and solidify plans for future
This report contains the results of our audit of the City’s oversight of transportation network companies and taxicabs. It also includes the Transportation Bureau’s response to our recommendations.
Report
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