BART Board appoints new Independent Police Auditor
The BART Board of Directors has named Inez Gonzalez as the new BART Independent Police Auditor. The Office of the Independent Police Auditor (OIPA) is an essential part of the BART Civilian Oversight Model, which is among the most robust police oversight models in the country. The Board of Directors established both the OIPA and the BART Police Citizen Review Board in 2010. Gonzalez succeeds Russell Bloom who was appointed Independent Police Auditor in 2016 and retired from BART earlier this year. Her first day on the job will be September 2, 2025.
“Inez Gonzalez has a wealth of experience that includes not only work in police oversight but also as a member of law enforcement,” said BART Board President Mark Foley. “BART has one of the most robust police oversight models in the country and it will be made even stronger thanks to the passion for equitable policing that Inez Gonzalez will bring to the Office of the Independent Police Auditor.”
Gonzalez brings more than 25 years of progressive experience in police oversight, law enforcement, and investigations to her new role as BART Independent Police Auditor. Gonalez most recently served as the Executive Director of the Police Civilian Oversight Board in Charlottesville, Virginia. While there she implemented a comprehensive civilian investigation program to promote integrity and systemic improvement in police services. Before that, Gonzalez rose to the rank of Captain in the Newark, New Jersey Police Department. Among her roles in Newark was serving as Commander of Internal Affairs where she directed complex investigative operations while ensuring compliance with department policies, attorney general guidelines, and state law.
“I am profoundly honored by the trust the BART Board of Directors has placed in me in appointing me as the Independent Police Auditor,” said Inez Gonzalez. “The Office of the Independent Police Auditor serves as a cornerstone of accountability, transparency, and fairness in policing. With integrity, impartiality, and purpose, I am committed to building upon the strong legacy established by my predecessors. I look forward to fostering collaborative relationships with the BART Police Citizen Review Board, BART leadership, and most importantly, the communities we serve.”
The mission of the OIPA is to provide effective and independent oversight of the BART Police Department by conducting unbiased and thorough investigations, monitoring internal affairs investigations, and making policy recommendations to improve the performance of the police department. OIPA also reports to the public and maintains communication with communities served by BART. The OIPA has unfettered access to police records, data, reports, and videos to perform their investigative and monitoring work. OIPA accepts complaints, including anonymously, and can investigate complaints from community members whether or not they were the victim of alleged police misconduct.
Learn more about BART’s Independent Police Auditor.