FY 25 Budget Q&A #055: Can you provide the fiscal and operational impact of delaying the hiring (Until FY 26) of either the Investigative and Policy Analyst or the Mgmt Analyst II proposed for the budget for the Office of the Independent Policing Auditor?
Question: Can you provide the fiscal and operational impact of delaying the hiring (Until FY 26) of either the Investigative and Policy Analyst or the Management Analyst II proposed for the budget for the Office of the Independent Policing Auditor? (Operating Budget Page 11.59) (Mayor Justin Wilson)
Response:
Funding for the two positions was allocated in the current fiscal year. These positions have not yet been filled, although the hiring process is underway. Since the funding is currently allocated, the fiscal impact of delaying the hiring would be approximately $200,000. From an operational perspective, a delay in hiring until FY 2026 would hinder implementation and operations as prescribed by the enabling ordinances and limit the effectiveness of the Office and the Board.
Currently the Alexandria Independent Policing Auditor (AIPA), with limited support from other parts of the organization, conducts the responsibilities of the office. The two positions identified will allow for the sharing of work with greater effectiveness and cooperation with the Board. Some of the key responsibilities of the AIPA include:
- Board support and guidance
- Citizen complaint intake and handling (must be handled in specified timeframes to ensure due process)
- Reviewing Alexandria Police Department (APD) internal investigations and making recommendations
- Organizing and attending all community engagement activities for the office
- Reviewing APD new policies and procedures and providing recommendations
- Reviewing proposed changes to APD existing policies and procedures and providing recommendations
- Managing all administrative operations of the office, including budgeting, procurement, financial, human resources, legislative, communications, etc.
- Creation and maintenance of office website
- Creation of/procurement of case management and reporting database
- Responding to Freedom of Information Act and other requests for information
- Attending internal and external meetings and community engagements
- Responding to City Council inquiries
- Creation of draft Board MOU and finalization of final draft, which includes receiving feedback and updating changes from all affected parties, coordinating and attending meetings with affected parties and providing updates
- Attending weekly meetings at APD