City of Fresno Hired Independent Police Auditor

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The City of Fresno has a new police auditor. Eddie Aubrey will bring 29 years of experience of public service to Fresno. The 50 year old served as a police officer for 14 years--including nine in Los Angeles. Aubrey also spent ten years as a prosecutor in King County, Washington. He most recently served as a judge in Washington State.

It's been a long process but Fresno finally has a police auditor that every segment of the community seems satisfied with. Although city manager Andy Souza actually hired Eddie Aubrey, a citizens committee interviewed several candidates. Aubrey was the unanimous choice.

The former L.A. police officer and King County prosecutor will audit every case of use of force within the police department beginning with last week's officer involved shooting that killed Fresno resident Steven Vargas. Aubrey says he's not afraid to speak truth in any audit ... whatever it is.

Aubrey said, "If the facts indicate that there are certain issues that I came up with, I would make those recommendations. And if that proved to be negative for the police department, that would be my recommendation. That's what so great about this position. It is independent and fair and neutral and unbiased."

Police Chief Jerry Dyer says Aubrey can only enhance the department's relationship with the community.

The Chief said, "I do not see it having a negative impact on our organization. In fact, I think quite the opposite. I do see over time that there will be an increased level of trust and it will make the job of a police officer easier as they go out and interact with the community."

The office of independent review can only make recommendations. Taking disciplinary action will not be part of the job ... that will be left to an internal affairs committee. Aubrey's office will be at the Dickey Youth Center on Divisadero Street in downtown Fresno and because there is office space already available ... the city will not have to pay any rent. His salary will be 107-thousand dollars a year.



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