Mayor Ashley Swearengin is reportedly very close to naming Fresno's first independent police auditor, and there will be much for the auditor to do once on the job. Fresno is coming off a week that saw two more deadly officer-involved shootings, and that has increased criticism over the Police Department's shooting policy.
These are the kind of situations in which the police auditor can make a difference in our community. Because the post is independent of the Police Department, the conclusions of the auditor will have more credibility with the public.It is too early to draw conclusions about the latest police shootings, and we caution those who think they know the facts in the case to wait until all the information comes in.Those who are already placing blame on the officers don't know enough to make that conclusion, and those defending the officers also haven't heard all the facts about the shootings. In these situations, conclusions often are drawn based on preconceived opinions about police conduct.Swearengin needs to get the auditor in place quickly so a review of the latest incidents can be undertaken.There have been 10 police shootings this year -- six of them fatal -- and each one of them is being used by police critics and supporters for political purposes. That's why we have long believed that an independent police auditor is good for both the police and the public. The Fresno City Council finally approved the position this year after opposing it for years at the behest of the police union.Police officers have a difficult job, and must make split-second decisions that can result in life or death to themselves, a suspect or innocent bystanders. The vast majority of officers do that job very well, and an independent review of their actions will undoubtedly confirm this. In the few cases in which there are problems, the independent auditor will point them out.This will enhance the level of trust between the police department and the community. It will give residents confidence that all complaints involving police action are handled fairly.It's too bad the City Council opposed the police auditor when the previous mayor, Alan Autry, proposed it annually during his two terms in office. The council bears responsibility for much of the current criticism of police. Had the auditor been in place for the past several years, it would have helped to improve the credibility of the Police Department.