19L - POLICE REVIEW BOARD - Laserfiche WebLink

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Many cities throughout California have instituted various forms of civilian oversight of law enforcement. (See Table 1 below). There are more than 200 models of police oversight, however, they can be grouped into the three following categories: (1) police auditors, (2) commissions/boards without investigatory powers, and (3) commissions /boards with investigatory powers. Police Auditor /Office of Independent Review/ Inspector General An independent police auditor is responsible for conducting oversight of law enforcement or police functions. The auditor may oversee investigations and advise the police chief on whether and how officers should be disciplined. Additionally, the auditor may review and report to the City Manager on certain investigations and cases on a quarterly basis and issue public reports and statistics with recommendations on practices, procedures, training, and equipment to assist public safety in areas that may need improvement. In the most empowered auditor -based model (Boise, Idaho), the auditor is authorized to direct police staff in the investigation of a citizen complaint. Generally, auditors may request further investigation or begin self - initiated investigation. Depending on the jurisdiction, the auditor may or may not have subpoena powers. Advantages: Police auditors may have access to police personnel records and internal documents and are often permitted to observe internal affairs interviews and sometimes are permitted to submit questions to the internal affairs interviewers. Auditors have more flexibility than a board or commission, as the scope of their duties can be broad or narrowly tailored. Disadvantages: Issues surrounding partiality, i.e., how could the police auditor be independent of the police department and also a confidential advisor to the police chief. Auditors without power to compel evidence may not be able to conduct effective investigations. Police Commission /Citizen Police Review Board Without Investigatory Powers A police commission or board consists of assigned members and reviews police misconduct investigations in order to determine whether they were conducted appropriately and adequately. Members may agree or disagree with findings of the Internal Affairs investigation and may also recommend corrections, additional investigations or officer discipline. Boards or commissions may also provide proposals or recommendations regarding department policies. Advantages: Boards or commissions without investigatory powers are able to produce findings more quickly than an investigatory model. This model also provides an opportunity for residents to be directly involved and have input on police issues. Disadvantages: Large amount of labor and time required of those serving on the board or commission. Members must have some knowledge and training in order to identify problems in complex investigations. Without investigatory power, the board or commission is limited to the evidence and investigation conducted by Internal Affairs. Members may feel obligated to pursue 19L-3