The head of San Jose’s civilian police oversight agency announced he will retire at the end of the month, an abrupt conclusion to a two-year tenure that city officials have not fully explained. The departure comes about a week after reports that the city had placed Independent Police Auditor Eddie Aubrey on administrative leave.
Interim leadership and a national search
City officials said Aubrey’s retirement will be effective Sept. 1. In the interim, Deputy Independent Police Auditor Dwight White will oversee operations at the Office of the Independent Police Auditor, the city said. Mayor Matt Mahan indicated the city plans to conduct a national search for a successor.
- Departure effective date: Sept. 1
- Interim leader: Deputy Independent Police Auditor Dwight White
- Next step: National search for a permanent replacement
The office is responsible for monitoring complaints and allegations of officer misconduct within the San Jose Police Department and for producing findings and recommendations intended to strengthen transparency and public trust.
Questions from advocates and the public
Aubrey’s sudden exit has renewed concerns among criminal justice reform advocates and community groups that have long pushed for stronger oversight authority for the auditor’s office. That pressure intensified after a series of internal departures and public controversies in recent years.
“Complete and full transparency is needed now more than ever,”
said Richard Konda, executive director at Asian Law Alliance, reflecting calls from advocates for broader disclosure and clearer oversight powers.
The mayor’s office thanked Aubrey for his service in a brief statement and emphasized the city’s intention to fill the role through a nationwide recruitment effort. The mayor’s office did not provide further comment beyond that announcement, and city officials have not publicly explained the specific reasons for placing Aubrey on leave.
Context: instability at the auditor’s office
Aubrey took over the office in April 2024 amid turmoil. He succeeded Shivaun Nurre, who left the post in 2023 after an incident at a public festival. Shortly after Nurre’s departure, the assistant police auditor resigned and released a critical letter that accused city leaders of ignoring the office and its recommendations.
Prior to his appointment in San Jose, Aubrey had held similar oversight and internal affairs roles in other jurisdictions. His résumé included leadership of Internal Affairs for the Richmond Police Department and prior experience serving as an independent auditor, according to city records.
What this means for San Jose residents
The sudden leadership change raises immediate operational questions for the office: how pending investigations will be handled, whether recommendations already issued will be advanced, and how the city will ensure continuity in responding to community concerns about police conduct.
Deputy Independent Police Auditor Dwight White will assume day-to-day responsibilities while the city searches for a new leader. City residents and advocacy groups are likely to press for clarity about the circumstances surrounding Aubrey’s leave and the selection process for his replacement.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Outgoing auditor | Eddie Aubrey |
| Effective retirement date | Sept. 1 |
| Interim lead | Dwight White, Deputy Independent Police Auditor |
| Next step | National search for replacement |
For San Jose residents, the auditor’s office serves as one of the few independent mechanisms through which civilian complaints about police conduct are reviewed. Any disruption to its leadership can complicate ongoing reviews and may affect public confidence in the city’s ability to hold law enforcement accountable.
City officials have not released additional details about the nature of the administrative leave that preceded Aubrey’s decision to retire. Aubrey could not be reached for comment and the mayor’s office declined to provide further explanation when asked.
As the search for a permanent replacement begins, community groups and City Hall observers will be watching how the process unfolds and whether it produces an auditor with the authority and independence advocates say is necessary to restore trust between San Jose residents and their police department.
