Police Oversight Commission approves revised U Visa certification procedures 6-0

The Santa Ana Police Oversight Commission voted unanimously (6‑0, Commissioner Vega absent) on Feb. 12, 2026 to approve revised U Visa certification procedures that the commission had recommended and transmitted to the city manager.

Independent Oversight Director Jack Morse presented a revised U Visa process that combined commission input, outside stakeholder recommendations and staff drafting. Morse told commissioners the revisions clarify who may qualify for a U Visa and factors the department should consider when reviewing applications; the commission had previously approved recommended procedures on Dec. 11, 2025 and transmitted them to the city manager.

An Assistant City Attorney who assisted the city manager's office said the manager accepted the commission's recommendations on Feb. 5, 2026 with minor language changes included in the agenda redline. The attorney explained the redline clarified that "there had to be an underlying crime that actually occurred" to qualify for U Visa certification and noted "there is no statute of limitations, if you will, as it pertains to the U Visa certification process," while acknowledging that passage of time can make verification of older reports difficult.

Commissioner Perea moved to approve the U Visa procedures as presented; Vice Chair Castillo Lawton seconded. The roll call vote was 6 ayes, 0 nays, with Commissioner Vega absent. With the vote, the city manager will direct the Santa Ana Police Department to implement the revised policy. Commissioners asked staff to notify the commission when the final document is published on the city's website.

Independent Oversight Director Jack Morse thanked staff and community stakeholders for their contributions and said he looks forward to similar policy accomplishments going forward.