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Commission retools civilian oversight code; designates Manager as PSCOB Monitor and narrows board access to confidential records
Summary
As part of consent ordinances adopted May 5, Athens-Clarke County commissioners amended the Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board code to remove the auditor appointment reference, define the Monitor as the ACCGov Manager (or designee), clarify complaint and reconsideration procedures, and limit the board's access to confidential law-enforcement records.
Athens-Clarke County commissioners on May 5 adopted amendments to the county code governing the Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board (PSCOB) and the county’s internal-audit functions.
The ordinance removes references to an “Auditor” in the PSCOB appointment language and inserts a new definition that identifies the ACCGov Manager — or a Manager-designated staff member — to serve as the PSCOB Monitor. The measure also revises definitions and procedures across Chapter 3-18: it defines “misconduct” and “serious bodily injury”; replaces references to the Office of Operational Analysis; clarifies that anonymous complainants may file complaints when they credibly fear prosecution or harassment (with the Monitor deciding credibility); and constrains the board’s access to confidential law-enforcement and corrections records while allowing the Monitor, with authorization from executive law-enforcement officials, to verbally share some confidential information.
The code changes direct that PSCOB findings be made by majority vote and provided to the mayor, commission, manager and relevant chiefs within three business days of the vote. Additional edits replace references to an “Auditor/Monitor” and adjust powers, duties, complaint and reconsideration procedures for the board, including new language on reconsideration requests and the Monitor’s discretion to remand investigations to staff or submit cases to the full board.
The ordinance will become effective upon the mayor’s approval or as otherwise provided in the charter. The PSCOB amendments were adopted as part of a bundled consent motion that passed unanimously.
