Citizens' Police Task Force

In September of 2020 the Los Altos City Council formed the Citizens' Police Task Force to review specified police practices in the interest of further building trust, transparency and accountability within the police department.  The task force met for a period of 6 weeks and worked with police department staff to understand policies and practices related to the School Resource Officer Program, as well as the police complaint intake process.  The task force heard testimonies from members of the public and ultimately provided recommendations to City Council.  On November 24, 2020, Council directed the Police Department to initiate the following changes, all of which have been implemented:

• The School Resource Officer program has been removed from Los Altos High School.
• Police complaints may be submitted to an Independent Intake Official (IIO), who contracts with the city of Los Altos.
  • The Independent Intake Official (IIO) provides an alternative way to submit complaints.
  • The Independent Intake Official (IIO) can receive complaints via online IIO WEBFORM, email, by US Mail using the Civilian Complaint Submission form, or by phone. More...
  • Complaints are shared between the Independent Intake Official (IIO) and the police department administrative staff.  The IIO can keep your name confidential from police staff if you instruct them to do so. 
  • Complaint demographic data is collected and stored in a database, which tracks both Informal and Formal complaints.
  • The Independent Intake Official (IIO) will summarize complaints in an annual report.  While the City Council has directed the general content of the annual report, the actual format and content is still under development.  More information will be published on a future date.  The first annual report can be expected in 2022.
• Intake of personnel complaints against police officers was further enhanced:
  • Online intake options are prominently displayed on the department’s website.
  • A webpage was added to describe the role of the Independent Intake Official (IIO) and the role is prominently displayed on the City Manager’s page.
  • The complaint process is explained in various locations on the city website, as well as in flowcharts and a downloadable complaint brochure.
  • Printed brochures & complaint forms are available at several physical locations, such as City Hall, libraries, Los Altos High School, and other public facilities and prominently displayed in the police department’s holding facility.
  • Complaints may be submitted to the police department or the IIO via  online webforms, email PoliceFeedback@losaltosca.gov, or phone.  Complaints may also be submitted by US mail or in person to the police department.
  • Police patrol vehicles and Officer business cards now display the police feedback email address PoliceFeedback@losaltosca.gov.
  • The police department FAQ page was expanded to include specific Q&A about the Citizens’ Police Task Force and complaint filing.