Independent Intake Official (IIO)

All Police Departments in the State of California are required by law to have a process by which a civilian may make a complaint against police personnel – PC § 832.5(a)(1).

At the recommendation of the Citizens' Police Task Force, City Council directed staff to provide an alternate means for members of the public to submit complaints against police officers. The city created the role of the Independent Intake Official (IIO). The City currently contracts with Stephanie Atigh, Attorney at Law to provide these services.

Here is what the Independent Intake Official does

Contracts with the city of Los Altos
Accepts complaints from the public
Shares complaints with the police department so the administration may process the complaint
Accepts and logs complaints that were initially sent to the police department
Monitors the progress of complaints to ensure timely processing
Holds your name confidential from the police department if you choose this option
Generates an annual report to the city summarizing all police complaints received. The IIO Annual Report will not include personal identifying information (PII) about complainants or officers

Here is what the Independent Intake Official does not do

The IIO does not work for the Los Altos Police Department
The IIO does not conduct investigations
The IIO has no authority to change the result of an investigation
The IIO will not release your name to the police department if you choose to remain anonymous

Anonymity

You, as the complainant, can remain anonymous in one of two ways:

Include your name and contact information in your complaint and instruct the IIO to keep your information confidential from the police department.
Do NOT include your name and contact information in your complaint and remain anonymous from everyone (both IIO and Police Department).

If you wish to submit a complaint through the Independent Intake Official (IIO), you may utilize the contact information for Stephanie Atigh listed below. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may still provide your contact information to the IIO who will keep that information confidential from Police Department staff at your request. Providing your information to the IIO will ensure you receive follow up communication as to the outcome of any complaint investigation. You may also submit a full complaint via the IIO WEBFORM, which will be delivered only to the IIO and your contact information will only be forwarded to the Police Department with your express permission. This method will allow you to provide an email address and receive a return receipt with the full details of your complaint.

Online Submission
Complaint IIO WEBFORM

By Email
Fill out the appropriate Civilian Complaint Submission form, save it to your computer and email as an attachment to stephatigh@sbcglobal.net.

By Phone
(831) 915-4643

Stephanie A. Atigh, Attorney at Law
California State Bar Number 65084
stephatigh@sbcglobal.net
(831) 915-4643

WORK HISTORY

2013-Present
- Sole Practitioner specializing in workplace investigations for private and public employers; hearing officer services
2006-2013
- City of Hollister: City Attorney (full time in-house counsel)
2004-2006
- California Administrative Office of the Courts - Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel representing the California courts and judicial officers
1997-2004
- Law Office of Stephanie Atigh (Pacific Grove, CA) - Sole Practitioner providing contract legal services to public agencies
1984-1997
- City of Salinas (full time in-house counsel) - City Attorney (8 yrs); Assistant City Attorney (4 yrs)
1984
- Matthew Bender (San Francisco, CA) - Legal Writer
1980-1984
- Legal Services for Cape Cod & Islands: Executive Director (2 yrs); Staff Attorney (2 yrs) - Representing low income clients in civil cases
1975-1980
- Community Legal Services (San Jose, CA): Staff Attorney - Representing low income clients in civil cases