CPRB to review first six use-of-force complaints from 2024 for deeper analysis

The Citizens Police Review Board agreed to a plan to analyze 2024 complaint data by reviewing a sample of cases, starting with the first six use-of-force complaints from that year.

Board members said earlier reviews had focused on complaints that were dismissed without full investigation (for example, complaints outside the time limit or where the complainant lacked standing). At the meeting they said they would move from that category and examine a different set: use-of-force cases. Doug Hunt said the board typically reviews about a half dozen cases at a time and proposed taking the first six use-of-force complaints from 2024 for the next review.

Members discussed how the department provides demographic breakdowns and dashboard data and how the board in past reviews had requested odd-numbered complaints; staff confirmed they can provide the requested files. The board noted that records for citizen complaints and the related attachments are available for the board's scheduled "reviews" (formerly "audits") but that statutory limits may affect what internal investigations or other records the board can see.

The board also agreed to continue monthly work on complaint reviews and to consider other categories in later sessions. No formal vote was recorded beyond the consensus to adopt the sampling approach and to request the corresponding Blue Team/dashboard files from the department for those cases.

Board members asked staff to provide the case files — including Blue Team entries and attachments where available — for the selected use-of-force incidents so the board could examine the administrative records during its review process.