Staff Report.Independent Police Auditor Services
PREPARED BY: Robert Schultz
Town Attorney
Reviewed by: Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
TOWN COUNCIL REPORT
MEETING DATE: 05/18/2021 ITEM NO: 5
DATE: May 12, 2021
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Robert Schultz, Town Attorney
SUBJECT: Authorize the Town Manager to Execute Agreements with Burke, Williams &
Sorensen, Richards Watson & Gershon, and the Renne Public Law Group, for
Independent Police Auditor Investigation Services.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Town Council authorize the Town Manager to execute agreements
with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, Richards Watson & Gershon and the Renne Public Law Group,
for Independent Police Auditor Investigation Services.
BACKGROUND:
On September 8, 2020, the Town hosted a Community Workshop regarding Police practices and
subsequently potential changes were reviewed and discussed with community input at the
September 15, 2020 and November 3, 2020 Town Council meetings. At the November 3, 2020
Council meeting, the Los Gatos Town Council unanimously authorized the Town Manager to
establish an Independent Police Auditor (IPA) function.
On February 19, 2021, the Town issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Independent
Police Auditor Investigation Services. The RFQ was made available on the Town’s website and
several firms specializing in conducting workplace investigations were contacted and informed
about the RFQ. Five firms submitted qualifications and the submittals were reviewed and
evaluated by the Town Attorney and Retired Judge Ladoris Cordell. Each proposal was ranked
on specific criteria, including experience conducting workplace investigations, past and present
experience with similar clients, pricing, and responses to the required information requested in
the RFQ.
PAGE 2 OF 2 SUBJECT: Authorize the Town Manager to Execute Agreements with Burke, Williams &
Sorensen, Richards Watson & Gershon and the Renne Public Law Group, for
Independent Police Auditor Investigation Services DATE: May 12, 2021
DISCUSSION:
The Town Attorney and Retired Judge Ladoris Cordell recommend that the Town execute
agreements with three of the five firms that submitted proposals for Independent Police
Auditor Investigation Services. The firms selected are Burke, Williams & Sorensen (Proposal
Attachment 1), Richards Watson & Gershon (Proposal Attachment 2) and the Renne Public Law
Group (Proposal Attachment 3). Each of these firms have substantial experience in conducting
workplace investigations. The rates of each firm are competitive with other firms and each firm
has the best depth of services and experience suited for the Town’s needs. The three qualified
law firms will serve on a rotating basis to independently investigate complaints submitted by
the public or Town employees. The Town Attorney’s Office would monitor the legal work and
engage each firm on a as needed basis.
The draft agreements with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, Richards Watson & Gershon and the
Renne Public Law Group (Attachment 4) are for a 3-year term.
COORDINATION:
This report was coordinated through the Town Manager’s Office, the Police Chief’s Office, and
the Finance Department.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The agreements to be awarded are for a term of three years. Funds are available in the Fiscal
Year (FY) 2020/21 Adopted Budget. Funds of $50,000 are included in the FY 2021/22 budget.
Budget authority for subsequent budget years will be requested in each annual budget for
Council approval. Future funding is contingent upon Council approval and budget adoption.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the Town Council authorize the Town Manager to execute agreements
with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, Richards Watson & Gershon and the Renne Public Law Group,
for Independent Police Auditor Investigation Services.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Burke, Williams & Sorensen Proposal
2. Richards Watson & Gershon Proposal
3. Renne Public Law Group Proposal
4. Draft Agreements