Civilian Police Auditor - City of Olympia

The City of Olympia is seeking proposals for a Civilian Police Auditor through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process to provide independent oversight of the Olympia Police Department (OPD). The selected candidate or firm will be responsible for overseeing investigations of use of force, auditing complaint processes, collaborating with the Community Policing Board, and engaging the public through community forums. Key deliverables include submitting annual reports with findings and recommendations and maintaining regular communication with OPD and City officials. Qualified candidates must possess significant experience in legal, investigative, criminal justice, civil rights, law enforcement oversight, labor law, auditing, monitoring, or prosecutorial fields, with a preferred Juris Doctorate degree. The proposal submission deadline is January 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with finalist interviews tentatively scheduled for the week of February 3, 2025. The evaluation will likely include an assessment of the candidate's qualifications, experience, and proposed approach to independent police oversight.

The RFP includes a 5-point scoring preference for firms certified by the Washington State Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises, creating an opportunity for disadvantaged business enterprises. Former Olympia Police Department commissioned officers are explicitly prohibited from filling this position. The contract term is two years, with an anticipated annual contract award amount ranging from $100,000 to $120,000. Insurance requirements for the selected vendor include automobile liability coverage of $1,000,000, commercial general liability of $2,000,000, professional liability of $1,000,000, and workers' compensation coverage. While not a full-time position, the role requires regular availability and in-person interactions with the Olympia community, OPD staff, Community Policing Board, City Council Members, and City Manager Office staff. The procurement is specific to Thurston County, Washington, and seeks an independent third-party auditor to enhance transparency and accountability within the local law enforcement agency.