Police review committee gives annual report, flags process and independence questions

Members of West Linn’s Police Review and Recommend Committee presented their second annual report to the City Council on Jan. 21, describing the complaints they reviewed, constraints on information sharing, and several process items the committee wants council and staff to consider.

Mary Carlson, speaking for the committee, said the panel reviewed six complaints during the year; two were closed without committee action because one complainant withdrew and another complainant later died. "Of the complaints we did review, nearly all circumstances [involved] discrimination," Carlson said, adding that the committee did not find those allegations supported in the reviewed cases. She said two complaints remain pending because of open criminal-justice processes.

Committee members and staff described the committee’s operating balance between independence and legal limits. City Manager John Williams and committee members repeatedly cited Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) restrictions as a reason some materials cannot be emailed in advance. Mike Salvaggio, who participated remotely, said the materials the committee does receive often include recorded interviews and body-camera footage in addition to written reports.

The committee recommended several procedural improvements. Members said the group is considering more formal recordkeeping to preserve institutional memory for future members and discussed whether having a chairperson would improve meeting efficiency and resolve stalemates; the committee began with a flat structure and some members said they are now open to a rotating chair. Steve Kramer and others emphasized that the committee’s role is to review processes and recommend changes rather than to conduct investigations. "This group doesn't carry out the investigation," a staff member clarified; the committee instead helps scope investigations and review outcomes.

Councilors asked how the committee conducts reviews. Committee members said they receive the complaint, any body-camera footage or recorded interviews, and the final disposition once an investigation concludes. Mary Carlson and others said the committee can request interviews if needed, although that request had not been necessary in the cases they reviewed.

Committee members urged clearer rules on recordkeeping, quorum and voting. Members said the enabling ordinance and the committee’s early experience left some procedural gaps — for example, whether committee conclusions require unanimous agreement or a majority vote — and asked staff and the city attorney to clarify whether the committee can adopt internal rules or needs ordinance changes. City Manager Williams read project code language back to the council noting the committee’s advisory role: members participate throughout complaint processes and may provide recommendations, but their opinions are advisory.

Councilors thanked the volunteers for their service and urged staff and the new city attorney to return with legal guidance and potential process changes that would protect confidentiality while improving committee independence and continuity.

The council did not take formal action; staff said they will work with the city attorney to draft any recommended code or process changes for future council review.