New commissioner briefed on hearings, investigation timelines and training

Commissioner Clinton Harris was introduced to the Springfield City Board of Police Commissioners and briefed Wednesday on the board’s hearing procedures, case timelines and training requirements.

The chair told Harris the board relies on investigators and staff to supply evidence and that the commission will receive a biweekly update on open cases. A board speaker said a “couple of cases” have waivers of about 120 days, which allows investigators additional time to complete work; that circumstance is why those cases remain on the board’s open-case report.

Board members and staff described hearings as a quasi-courtroom process in which the officer and union attorney present one side and city representatives present the other. The chair said each witness is questioned and both sides give opening and closing statements; after evidence is presented the board deliberates and determines whether charges are sustained, not sustained, unfounded or exonerated. The chair said if the board sustains a charge it must explain why and then decide on discipline.

Commissioners discussed training schedules and use-of-force committees. The chair said the board receives training periodically and noted a forthcoming session expected sometime in September; specifics on date and venue were not scheduled during the meeting. The chair also advised Harris that while regular monthly meetings may be suspended in August, commissioners must attend any hearings or reviews that arise and that Harris would participate in hearings beginning with the one scheduled for Sept. 17.

No statutory citations or external legal authorities were presented during the briefing. The board did not take any formal disciplinary actions during the July 9 meeting.