The Citizens Police Advisory and Review Board (CPARB) presented its annual report to the council on July 14, summarizing its work since formation in 2023 and outlining goals for outreach and policy review.

CPARB Chair Greg Brown told council the board was created in 2023 to increase transparency around police conduct complaints and use-of-force reporting and to advise police and city leadership on policy. Brown said the board has reviewed police policies, including body-worn camera policy, Taser policy, pursuit reviews and response-to-resistance incidents, and that the board has made motions ranging from “review and support” to “review and support with follow-up questions.”

The board reported having conducted its first two appeals of police conduct complaint outcomes and said the mayor and city manager attended one appeal hearing. Brown said CPARB now receives a monthly chief’s report to stay apprised of major department activity and that the board has increased community outreach, attended local events and pursued membership in national organizations to expand training opportunities.

Why it matters: The board’s oversight functions include reviewing use-of-force reports and appeals of police conduct determinations. The board’s activities are intended to improve transparency and community trust in policing practices.

Board priorities: CPARB told council it will continue refining bylaws and hearing procedures, develop community outreach materials, pursue one or more pilot community-policing programs with the police department, and work with the city to post CPARB materials and an easier web presence for residents.

Ending: The board thanked the chief’s office and staffing partners for cooperation and asked council to support continued outreach and resource access to expand the board’s capacity for appeals and policy review.