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Ordinance Amending Article IV to Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code Police <br />Oversight Commission. <br />July 1, 2025 <br />Page 2 <br />5 <br />5 <br />9 <br />and recommendations on police practices, police misconduct, officer involved shootings, <br />and other serious uses of force. <br />July 18, 2023 <br />The City Council received an informational report providing an update on the <br />implementation of the Commission, including the status of Commissioner appointments, <br />the ongoing recruitment process for the Independent Oversight Director, and the <br />anticipated timeline for convening the Commission's inaugural meeting. <br />October 6, 2023 <br />The six appointed members of the Police Oversight Commission held their first official <br />meeting, marking the operational launch of the Commission. Since that time, the <br />Commission has met regularly and its members have completed the training <br />requirements as outlined in the Ordinance. <br />April 4, 2025 <br />Implementation of the existing ordinance revealed a conflict with the Public Safety <br />Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act (California Government Code Sections 3300–3313), <br />prompting the need for a comprehensive review. In response, the Police Oversight Ad <br />Hoc Committee convened to evaluate the ordinance and recommend appropriate <br />amendments to ensure legal compliance and effective oversight. <br />The proposed ordinance amendments address the following key areas: <br />Alignment with State Law: <br />Recommended language changes were made to ensure the Ordinance complies with <br />state laws regarding police transparency, personnel records, confidentiality, and civilian <br />oversight. Exhibit 2 provides the relevant federal and state laws, including provisions <br />from the Government Code 3300-3313, Penal Codes 832.5, 832.7, 832.8, and Evidence <br />Code 1040-1047, which are referenced in the ordinance. <br />Clarification of Roles and Responsibilities: <br />Recommended language updates clarify the distinct roles and responsibilities of the <br />Police Oversight Commission, City staff, and the Santa Ana Police Department’s <br />Internal Affairs Division. These changes are intended to prevent duplication of efforts <br />and promote consistent procedures in compliance with state law. <br />Santa Ana operates under a City Manager form of government, as established by the <br />City Charter. The original language of the ordinance granted the Independent Police <br />Oversight Director authority that conflicted with the City Manager's administrative <br />oversight responsibilities and has been revised. The amended language now affirms the