Correspondence- #22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Fundamental Police Oversight Policy Provisions and Our Recommendations It is imperative that the City of Santa Ana establish a comprehensive, effective, and fully funded police oversight model with a clearly defined scope and authority to prevent, intervene, and investigate police misconduct and violence. For this reason, we urge the City Council to pay the greatest attention to and adopt amendments pertaining to the following policy provisions. Our recommendations align with community organizations and include the following recommendations: 1) Independent Investigatory Authority The commission must have authority to investigate serious incidents, such as use of force whether or not someone has filed a complaint. The commission must have the authority to receive, investigate, hear, make findings, and recommend action regarding all complaints filed against members of SAPD. 2) 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 SAPD. 3)Access to Police Department Documents and Records. The commission must have unfettered access to all relevant SAPD 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. 4) 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 SAPD. 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. 5) Commission Transparency and Reporting The commission must be required to conduct public meetings on SAPD's policies, practices, procedures, customs, orders, collective bargaining agreements, programs, training, and annual budget. The commission must also be authorized to issue recommendations to the City Council on the aforementioned subjects. 6) Police Department Transparency and Reporting 2