There is hereby created an administrative unit of the City to be known as the Office of Police Accountability. Civilian oversight of law enforcement is a critical facet of any effort to strengthen the relationship between police and the community and to build public trust, all while promoting effective policing. Oversight agencies help increase the public's understanding of law enforcement policies, procedures, and operations. The City is committed to civilian police oversight that is proactive, empowered, independent, transparent, and community driven. The Office of Police Accountability investigates complaints against Boise Police Department ("BPD") police officers and police personnel, audits internal affairs investigations, and makes informed policy recommendations related to policing issues of significant public interest. (Ord. 21-21, 7-13-2021)