Oversight of Orange County Law Enforcement Agencies, Resolving a Dichotomy!

2 Independent reviews of LEAs: The use of independent reviews of LEAs’ practices is limited to unique reviews rather than to periodic reviews of policies, procedures, and compliance. We disagree with this finding. Currently, the OCSD is subject to periodic and unique reviews in the form of internal and/or external audits. The purpose of these audits (reviews) is to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and statutes and to ensure best practices are incorporated into OCSD’s policies and procedures. Various internal as well as external/independent entities are utilized to conduct these audits. Based on their reviews of our current policies and procedures, these reviewing bodies then make recommendations for change and/or improvement. Moreover, community members have a myriad of options to seek redress if they believe they have been treated unfairly or unlawfully by Lake Forest Police Services, including contacting the City Council or City Manager. The City utilizes an online request system that allows any member of the public to send a request/complaint directly to the City Manager or City Council. Additionally, complaints can be brought to the attention of the Orange County District Attorney, as well as several state and federal agencies that have substantial power and authority to change local police practices. Local police agencies are also subject to oversight by the media and privately funded interest groups, as well as independent community members. The Honorable Nancy Wieben Stock September 20, 2006