Our speaker on July 26th was Louis Gonzales from the Office of Police Monitor. The Office of Police Monitor has the mission to educate the community and promote respect between police and community. Community oversight started in Miami and has spread throughout the U.S. Austin has the only office like this in Texas as it is part of city manager's office. It is a civilian office that interviews and assesses complaints against the police form the community. Some lower level ones are sent to a police supervisor, but the more serious lead to formal complaint to internal affairs. The Office of Police Monitor is present for the IA interview, monitors IA investigations, and reviews completed investigations. There is an opportunity for mediation, but both officer and complainant have to agree and it means no complaint. Complaint numbers appear to be going down over the last 36 months. There is a Citizens Review Panel that consists of 7 volunteers serving 2-year terms who are appointed by city manager and going under extensive training.