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IRPS committee defers study on civilian police review board for 60 days
Summary
The IRPS committee voted to defer a resolution requesting a study on creating a civilian police review board in DeKalb County for 60 days and requested presentations from the police chief and district attorney and an estimate of study costs.
The DeKalb County IRPS (Employee Relations and Public Safety) Committee voted to defer for 60 days a resolution requesting a study into establishing a civilian police review board.
Commissioner Ladina Bolton, chair of the IRPS Committee, read item 20230558, described in the meeting as "a resolution requesting a study regarding the possibility of establishing a police civilian review board in DeKalb County." Multiple commissioners expressed concern about cost and the scope of such a board. One commissioner said Atlanta’s presentation to the county showed a budget "over $3,000,000," and noted that only two jurisdictions in Georgia — Atlanta and Athens — currently have citizen review boards, according to the discussion.
Committee members asked for additional information before advancing the resolution. The committee requested that the police chief and the DeKalb County District Attorney ("District Attorney Boston" in the transcript) return to present their perspectives and that county administration provide an estimate for the cost of a formal study. A staff member (Zach) said administration could provide cost estimates if given time. A motion to defer the item for 60 days carried on a voice vote; the transcript records the chair stating, "Motion passes."
Speakers emphasized the need for more background and comparison with surrounding jurisdictions. The chief and the district attorney had provided separate presentations earlier in the day, which several commissioners said they found informative and requested to hear again together with administration estimates. The committee also discussed a CEO proposal for a related position and asked that the presentations compare alternatives and clarify what existing oversight mechanisms are already in place.
Votes at a glance
- Item 20230558 — Defer resolution requesting a study on establishing a civilian police review board in DeKalb County for 60 days; direction to invite the police chief, the district attorney, and administration to present cost estimates and jurisdictional comparisons — Outcome: deferred/postponed (60 days, voice vote).
