Office of Community-based Police Accountability's Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget

The City Council has approved an $8. 6 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26, allocating $15. 4 million to the Office of Community-based Police Accountability (OCPA) in accordance with City Code. This funding is essential for OCPA to hire staff, secure office space, and invest in technology and training. The Community Board for Police Accountability (CBPA) was appointed in mid-June but cannot begin work until required background checks are completed.

These checks, mandated to be conducted by an independent agency, include a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) review to ensure safety and legality in handling sensitive data. CBPA members are eager to start their public meetings once they receive clearance, which involves fingerprinting and additional security checks. The city prioritizes transparency, aiming to keep community members informed about the oversight system's progress. Any unspent funds from this fiscal year will be placed in contingency for future use, ensuring accountability in funding. Through these measures, the city seeks to enhance police oversight and community trust.