Commission hears public concerns about press passes, family liaison; chief updates on officer-involved shooting investigation

During public comment at the Aug. 3 meeting, community members pressed the Police Commission to address two issues that dominated the chamber: delays in press-pass approvals and requests from families for clear information after officer-involved incidents.

Ace Washington, a long-time community activist and publisher, said he has been waiting since 2003 for a press pass and urged the commission to ask the chief why his application remains unresolved. The police chief replied that Sergeant Gittens is handling press-pass documentation and that the department will follow up; the chief agreed to contact Sergeant Gittens and expedite the matter as appropriate.

Cullos Sullivan and family members asked for timely information about an officer-involved shooting affecting their relative and expressed frustration about press reports and perceived leaks. The chief said the department had received correspondence from legal counsel and that, because of ongoing litigation and the need to coordinate with the city attorney, the department would determine what can be released and arrange family liaison follow-up. "We are willing to have our family liaison talk to the family members," the chief said, while noting the need for city-attorney guidance on releases when litigation is pending.

Separately, Captain John Hennessy of the Bureau of Investigations gave a status update on an officer-involved shooting investigation (case 06/2004). He said the homicide veil report is in final draft and ready for presentation to the officer in charge; the department is awaiting a letter from the district attorney who requested additional investigative steps, and no date for finalization was provided.

The commission urged the department to create clearer protocols for family contact and to return with recommendations on what information can be provided during active investigations and litigation.