CPRB members review police policy process, Lexipol templates and role of mental‑health liaisons

At its meeting, the Community Police Review Board reviewed items on the consent calendar and spent substantial time asking staff how use‑of‑force reports and policy drafts are prepared and reviewed.

Members asked whether the board’s review overlaps with internal supervisory reviews and who authors department policy templates. City staff explained the process: Lexipol provides template language, but department staff compare Lexipol drafts with existing general orders, add local language, route drafts to content experts and captains, then the chief and the city attorney’s office review them. When Lexipol templates replace general orders, the Lexipol policy becomes the document used for accreditation.

Consent calendar role Board members clarified that the consent calendar is a receipt item: the CPRB acknowledges policies and reports on the consent calendar but does not formally approve or adopt them. Members said they may request particular policies be scheduled for fuller review at later meetings.

Use-of-force reviews and body-worn-camera (BWC) evidence Board members asked how use-of-force reviews work in practice and whether officers review their own incidents. Staff explained supervisory and command-level reviews occur before cases reach the CPRB; the chief, captains and watch supervisors all review incidents. "BWC" was clarified as body‑worn camera evidence; staff said whether a particular hold (for example, “joint manipulation” or a knee to the chest) is reasonable depends on the totality of circumstances and prior supervisory review.

Mental‑health liaisons and mobile crisis Board members spent time on how embedded crisis liaisons and mobile crisis teams operate. Staff described mental‑health liaisons as salaried staff (social workers or counselors) contracted through the community organization; they are available to respond with officers for crisis stabilization, provide referrals to shelters and services, and follow up the next day when appropriate. Mobile crisis teams can be called on a call‑out basis; staff said response timing and on‑scene coverage vary and that overnight coverage by community staff is limited, so officers sometimes rely on mobile crisis for overnight incidents.

Operational suggestions discussed Members suggested practical ideas for policy and public engagement, including: (1) periodic advisory presentations by department staff on recently updated policies, (2) using the CPRB or advisory volunteers to attend community outreach events, and (3) adding clearer public messaging about complaint options and available crisis resources on the city website so residents know where to go when they have concerns.

Ending Staff encouraged board members to pick specific policies from the packet for deeper review at future meetings. The board moved, by roll call, to accept the consent calendar as presented and to accept late correspondence from Mary McCann for the record.