Fresno Mayor Alan Autry wants voters to decide whether the city should have an independent police auditor.

On Tuesday, Autry held a press conference where he proposed creating an independent police auditor position for the City of Fresno; a position the mayor has tried to create during much of his time in office.

Autry said that having an independent police auditor is key to maintaining trust between city residents and police, "I believe we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve and strengthen that trust,"he said.

The idea for an independent police auditor isn't new, both Autry and Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer have supported hiring an independent auditor in the past, but their efforts have been stopped by votes of the city council.

Autry has tried to include the position in four of his previous city budgets, but is now calling on the City Council to adopt a resolution placing the issue of hiring an IPA on the November 4th ballot.

If approved, the position would change the City Charter, allowing the City Manager to hire the IPA which would be subject to the approval of the council. It's the same protocol used for hiring the City Controller, with the IPA reporting to the City Manager.

Autry said the position would be good for the City of Fresno, protecting both residents and police officers.

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