Policy Text
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Monica Police
Department Performance History Audits - 1 Santa Monica Police Department
Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual
Performance History Audits
1029.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Performance History Audits are collections of data designed to assist supervisors evaluating
the performance of their employees. Performance History Audits can help identify commendable
performance as well as early recognition of training needs and other potential issues. While it is
understood that the statistical compilation of data may be helpful to supervisors, it cannot account
for, and must be carefully balanced with the many variables in law enforcement such as:
• A sworn officer's ability to detect crime.
• A sworn officer's work ethic.
• A sworn officer's work assignment and shift.
• A sworn officer's physical abilities, stature, etc.
• Randomness of events.
1029.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the authority of the Division Commander, the Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for
collecting performance indicators and other relevant data to generate and provide a quarterly
Performance History Audit Report for each officer to the appropriate Division Commander. Though
generated quarterly, each Performance History Audit will contain data from a one-year time period.
The Division Commander will also forward a copy of each Performance History Audit Report to
the Office of the City Attorney for review and retention as attorney work product and confidential
personnel information.
1029.3 COMPONENTS OF PERFORMANCE HISTORY AUDITS
Performance History Audits will include the following components:
• Performance indicators
• Data analysis
• Employee review
• Follow -up monitoring
1029.4 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Performance indicators represent the categories of employee performance activity that the Chief of
Police of Santa Monica Police Department has determined may be relevant data for the generation
and analysis of Performance History Audits. Performance indicators may include but are not
limited to:
(a) The frequ ency and findings of use of force incidents. Policy
1029
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Monica Police
Department Performance History Audits - 2 Santa Monica Police Department
Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual
Performance History Audits
(b) Frequency of involvement and conduct during vehicle pursuits.
(c) Frequency and findings of citizen complaints.
(d) Number of commendations, compliments and awards (citizen and Department).
(e) Claims and civil suits related to the employee’s actions or alleged actions.
(f) Canine bite incidents .
(g) Internal Affairs investigations.
(h) Frequency and reasons for District Attorney case rejections.
(i) Intentional or accidental firearm discharges (regardless of injury).
(j) Vehicle collisions.
(k) Missed court appearances.
(l) Documented counseling memos.
1029.5 COMPIL ATION OF DATA
The Internal Affairs Unit will utilize secure systems and other confidential methods to compile and
track information regarding performance indicators for each officer during each quarter in order
to prepare Performance History Audit Reports.
1029.6 EMPLOYEE NOTIFICATION AND RESPONSE
The Internal Affairs Unit will notify each officer prior to retaining any performance indicator for entry
into a Performance History Audit Report. The affected officer may submit a written comment within
10 days regarding each performance indicator. Any such written comment will be attached to the
related performance indicator in such a way as to be readily noticed by supervisors reviewing a
Performance History Audit Report.
1029.7 DATA ANALYSIS AND ACTION
Upon receipt, the Division Commander will review each Performance History Audit Report and
determine whether it should be provided to a sworn officer’s immediate supervisor for further
consideration. The officer’s immediate supervisor will carefully revie w the Performance History
Audit Report with the officer to assess any potential trends or other issues which may warrant
informal counseling, additional training or a recommendation for other action, including discipline.
The officer shall date and sign the Performance History Audit Report and may be provided a copy
of the report upon request.
If a supervisor determines that a sworn officer’s performance warrants action beyond informal
counseling, the supervisor shall advise the Division Commander of such recommendation. If the
Division Commander concurs with the recommendation of the supervisor, he/she shall take steps
to initiate the appropriate action.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2017/11/28, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Monica Police
Department Performance History Audits - 3 Santa Monica Police Department
Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual
Performance History Audits
If discipline or other adverse action is initiated against a sworn officer as a result of a Performance
History Audit, the officer shall be entitled to all rights and processes set forth in the Personnel
Complaints Policy.
1029.8 CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA
Information, data and copies of material compiled to develop Performance History Audit Reports
shall be considered confidential as part of the employee’s personnel file and will not be subject to
discovery or release except as provided by law. Access to the data in the system will be governed
under the same process as access to a sworn officer’s personnel file as outlined in the Department