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Make recommendations or findings as to whether the evidence supports the allegation(s). In some oversight systems, the agency has the authority to recommend and/or impose discipline. Police Oversight Commission Qualifications We urge the creation of a commission composed of diverse community leaders with the knowledge and experience to effectuate meaningful oversight of SAPID. We urge the council to support a commission appointed by the city council with the following qualifications: To the extent practicable, appointments to the commission shall be broadly representative of Santa Ana's diversity and shall include members with knowledge and/or experience in the fields of human resources practices, management, policy development, auditing, law, investigations, social services, civil rights, and civil liberties. Appointments to the commission shall be representative of the communities most affected by and with the most frequent contact with the Police Department. Federal immigration status and criminal convictions shall not be considered in the appointment of the commission. Current and former sworn law enforcement officers should be excluded from commission membership. Immediate family members of law enforcement officers: spouse, registered domestic partner, or dependent children should also be excluded from commission membership. Finally, current or former employees, contractors, officials or representatives of a association or an employee association representing sworn peace officers, must not be eligible to serve on the commision. If former law enforcement officers are permitted to serve on the commission,we believe the following minimum guardrails must be adopted: Former law enforcement officers shall not be eligible to serve until they have been retired for at least five (5) years. Former law enforcement officers must have occupied a managerial rank within their department. Former law enforcement officers must not have been employed by a law enforcement agency in Orange County. Former law enforcement officers must be limited to only one (1) commission membership appointment to ensure the commission is represented by majority civilians. Access to Police Department Documents and Records. The commission must have unfettered access to all relevant SAPID files, documents and records, except as otherwise prohibited by law, in addition to all files and records of other City departments and agencies.The commission must have access to the records necessary for their investigations and audits. Any relevant records held by the police department that can be shared in a discretionary manner must be proactively disclosed to the commission in the discharge of their duties. Power to Issue Disciplinary Recommendations The ordinance passed by the City Council must explicitly authorize the commission to deliver disciplinary recommendations to the Police Chief and Internal Affairs division of SAPID. An independent investigation will be meaningful only if its findings inform the basis for deciding possible disciplinary actions.The commission must play a role in officer discipline. Commission Transparency and Reporting 4