Modesto CPRB discusses 2026 priorities, ad hoc committees, RIPA data and use‑of‑force policy changes
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Summary
Board members proposed ad hoc committees for community outreach, quarterly reporting and youth engagement, recommended deeper review of RIPA data for racial disparities, and a standing committee reported proposed changes to Modesto Police Department policy language (replacing 'should' with 'shall' in several use‑of‑force provisions) for board consideration in the annual report.
The Modesto Community Police Review Board spent the bulk of its meeting discussing priorities for 2026, with members signaling interest in community outreach, measurable reporting, youth engagement and deeper analysis of racial-impact policing data.
Staff facilitator Scottie Douglas opened the priorities item and asked members to suggest areas for the year. Multiple members proposed ad hoc committees focused on (1) community presence and outreach (including pop-up booths at events), (2) a quarterly report committee to support the annual report, and (3) a communications ad hoc to strengthen links among the CPRB, the Modesto Police Department and community nonprofits. One member urged creating a ‘‘Know Your Rights’’ training and a community day that would include police demonstrations and outreach elements.
Several members also pressed for a closer review of RIPA data (reports of stops and use-of-force) to understand reported racial disproportionalities. Board members suggested forming an ad hoc to invite MPD staff to present context behind the numbers and to allow targeted follow-up questions in a setting that complies with Brown Act restrictions.
Separately, a standing committee delivered recommendations to the board asking staff to place on a future agenda a review of the Modesto Police Department policy manual sections regarding deadly force and supervisory responsibilities. The committee recommended changing multiple policy provisions from "should" to "shall," citing the following sections by number: MPPD section 300.4 (deadly force), 300.6 (medical-consent considerations), 300.7 (supervisory responsibilities) and 402.6 (internal affairs annual reporting). The committee representative said they raised those recommendations with Chief Gillespie and Lieutenant Kleiber and requested the full board consider them for inclusion in the 2026 annual report.
Board members asked staff to compile the suggested priorities and proposed ad hoc charters and return with a consolidated draft for a formal vote next month. Staff also noted budget implications for a visible community presence and said they are reviewing modest funding and travel budgets that could be repurposed to support outreach.