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Public commenters ask CPRC to press for release of police internal‑affairs records, cite alleged discrimination and a hate crime
Summary
At the Aug. 15 National City Community and Police Relations Commission meeting, a public commenter invoked SB 16 and requested internal‑affairs records related to a claim by ex‑officer Ashley Cummins; another speaker described an assault he said was a hate crime and supplied a case number. Commissioners advised filing formal complaints and did not act on the incidents at the meeting.
Rob Mana told the National City Community and Police Relations Commission on Aug. 15 that his public records request for internal affairs documents related to an ex‑officer, Ashley Cummins, had been rejected by the city clerk and asked the commission to review the decision and whether an internal affairs investigation occurred.
"SB 16 amended section of penal code to expand publication of peace officer and custodial officer records relating to the report, investigations or findings," Rob Mana said while reading language from the statute and arguing the request should be valid. He told commissioners the clerk had given conflicting answers—saying first that more time was needed, then that the records were not available and the request did not apply under SB 16.
The commission did not comment on the substance of the alleged personnel matter. Chair told Mana and other commenters that the CPRC is not permitted to respond to items that are not on the agenda during public comment, and advised those with concerns about police conduct to file a formal complaint. "Those forms are available here at city hall or across the street at the police station," the chair said.
A separate public commenter, Joseph Crawford, said an assault he experienced on Aug. 20, 2021, should be treated as a hate crime and supplied a case number (21047944729). "I was assaulted in the park, and I have found out that it was a hate crime," Crawford said; he also said he had provided materials to the commission previously and sought clarification on any outcome.
Commissioners and staff did not announce any investigation or remedial action during the meeting. The city attorney later summarized closed‑session deliberations only by saying commissioners had heard seven items and each received unanimous support; no further details were released in open session.
Next steps: Commission staff told public commenters that the proper avenue for fact‑finding or disciplinary review is the police department complaint process and public records requests filed through the city clerk; the CPRC did not vote on any action tied to the two public complaints during the Aug. 15 meeting.
