Community advocate unhappy with independent audit of Fresno Police

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Gloria Fernandez fought for years to bring an independent auditor to Fresno but after reading copies of recent reports she says her faith in the position has faded.

"It's weak," she said. "Because he doesn't have independent powers."

The Office of Independent Review is supposed to provide a neutral analysis of police actions but auditor Richard Rasmussen admits he has no concrete power.

Rasmussen is only allowed to look at complaints after the police department completes its internal investigation.

"The police chief is the one responsible for administering punishment," he said. "I don't have any recourse if I disagree with them or if they disagree with me."

Rasmussen says the recommendations he does make have been repetitive.

The department used to take a year to complete an officer-involved shooting investigation.

He says with public distrust running high across the country, the chief should be able to make a decision after 90 days.

"I would like the officer-involved shooting to maintain the same timeline on a homicide case," Rasmussen said. "So, when a homicide happens you have to get your charges in front of a judge in a very short period of time."

Police Chief Jerry Dyer says he's committed to fixing many of the issues the audit has brought up, eEspecially addressing an increase in complaints about racism and discrimination.

"If we don't explain thoroughly to people why we made that traffic stop, then we leave it to their imagination and they believe it has to do with their race," Dyer said.

Hernandez says she'll keep all she wants is more transparency and for the department to take suggestions more seriously.

"I wanted subpoena power, him to conduct his own investigations and come up with his own conclusions, not what the cops say," she said.