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CPRB receives January complaint report; staff says body camera did not support excessive‑force allegation
Summary
Board staff reported one use‑of‑force complaint for December (PC 20435); a staff review concluded body‑worn camera footage did not support the allegation that an officer used excessive force. Members of the public criticized the handling and transparency of complaints.
Board staff told the Community Police Review Board that the department received one complaint (PC 20435) categorized as a level‑1 use‑of‑force allegation involving a white female; the incident date listed in the file was Dec. 3. The presenter said the complainant arrived on foot at a traffic stop, placed herself between the officer and the vehicle, refused the officer's instruction to leave and was arrested for interference; the presenter said body‑worn camera footage did not support the allegation of excessive force.
The staff summary did not state the date the complaint was received by the department or the date the complainant was notified of the investigation result; board members asked staff to include those dates in future reports so the board can track the appeal window and timeline. A board member noted that complainants have 28 days from notification to file an appeal.
Multiple speakers during public comment criticized the department's disposition practices and the board's ability to review complaints. Michael, a resident who identified several civil cases he said involved use‑of‑force allegations, told the board those outcomes show a pattern of mistreatment. “This is how complaints are treated…Make [staff] bring those dates,” Michael said, urging the board to press for more details. Eric Haddigan, another resident who said he has been tackled by police in the past but later shook hands with the officer, urged cooperation between the community and police while calling for learning on both sides.
Administrative vote: At the start of the meeting the board approved the previous meeting's minutes. Board member Brenda moved to approve, Caleb seconded; the chair called for a voice vote and said, “Aye. Motion passes.” The meeting record does not include a roll‑call tally.
Why this matters: the complaint report is the board’s primary regular window into complaints and dispositions. Members of the public said the department’s report lacks sufficient dates and context for timely appeals and for public oversight; board members asked staff to add dates for incident, receipt and notification in future monthly reports.
No appeal or formal investigation of this complaint was before the board at this meeting.
