During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing backlog of cases within the Civilian Review Board (CRB) and the challenges faced in investigating complaints against police officers. The meeting highlighted the procedural requirements that hinder timely resolutions, particularly the necessity of obtaining information from the police department before completing investigations.

The CRB reported receiving 83 cases in 2023, with only 15 of those being investigated so far. The board is still working to resolve several cases from this year, while also addressing a backlog from previous years. In 2022, the CRB received 59 cases, and officials indicated that they would provide detailed statistics on the outcomes of these investigations, including how many were substantiated or resolved.

A significant point of discussion was the 18-month window for investigating complaints against officers, which is mandated for disciplinary actions. Officials noted that police departments often utilize a substantial portion of this time, complicating the CRB's ability to conduct thorough investigations. The CRB emphasized the importance of being able to review cases even after the 18-month period has lapsed, particularly to assess patterns of behavior among officers.

The meeting underscored the need for transparency and accountability, with officials acknowledging that constituents expect measurable outcomes from the CRB's operations. They committed to making relevant information publicly accessible, including case statistics and resolutions, to enhance community trust and engagement.