After CPRB changes, council weighs community-driven outreach and policy review channels
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Summary
Councilors discussed outreach conducted by the police department and explored community-driven alternatives to the former Civilian Police Review Board, including using the Human Rights Commission for policy review and continuing legislative advocacy to restore oversight functions.
Following statutory changes that limited the Civilian Police Review Board’s powers, councilors discussed options for community engagement and policy-review functions, while acknowledging legal constraints.
Staff said Chief Liston and the police department have begun quarterly community meetings and other outreach. "Staff was more focused on how the police department... is going to be trying to solicit more feedback in the community," Speaker 7 said, summarizing recent staff activity. Councilors said they valued the chief’s outreach but also expressed interest in a separate, community-driven forum where residents could be heard outside of an internal police structure.
Councilors discussed whether policy-review functions formerly undertaken by the CPRB could be absorbed by the Human Rights Commission and whether some independent, non-police‑centered forum could be created while staying within state law. "One of the other roles that they served was the policy review," Speaker 2 said, noting the council had previously received recommendations in that area. Several members confirmed ongoing legislative advocacy to restore more comprehensive civilian oversight.
No formal change was adopted; staff will continue outreach efforts and return with options on policy-review mechanisms and potential roles for the Human Rights Commission.