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Council appoints Kathie Lee as interim director of police accountability; public urges stronger oversight
Summary
Berkeley Council appointed retired oversight official Kathie (Cathy/Kathie) Lee as interim director of police accountability, citing her experience; public comment praised her but also warned the council to restore and strengthen independent oversight and resources for the Police Accountability Board (PAB) and ODPA.
The Berkeley City Council on March 24 authorized the temporary employment of Kathie (Kathie/Kathy) Lee as interim director of the Office of Police Accountability (ODPA) while the city conducts a search for a permanent director.
Mayor read a letter from Lee accepting the interim role and outlining her commitment to civilian oversight, the need for stronger regulations on handling complaints against officers and promising collaborative work with the Police Accountability Board. Councilmembers thanked Lee and pledged to prioritize filling permanent PAB vacancies; the council also noted a search subcommittee (vice mayor Luna Parra and Councilmember Humbert) had already convened.
Public comment on the appointment was strongly engaged: many commenters, including former commissioners and oversight advocates, praised Lee's integrity and urged the council to provide the PAB and ODPA with independent counsel, sufficient funding and full legal authority. Others used the opportunity to press the council on perceived broader failures of oversight, recent PAB resignations, and the need to heed PAB recommendations on the surveillance package discussed later in the meeting.
The resolution authorizing Kathie Lee's temporary appointment passed by roll call with councilmembers recorded as voting in favor. Councilmembers said they look forward to working with Lee and continuing the recruitment process for a permanent director.
