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CCRB members press staff on anonymity and confidentiality of complaint packages
Summary
Board members asked whether complainants can remain anonymous and what materials are included in complaint packages; staff said anonymous initial complaints are accepted but sensitivity and personnel rules mean evidence will be handled case-by-case.
Members sought clarity about who qualifies as a complainant and whether anonymity is preserved throughout the review. One member asked for assurance that a reporter or an officer could submit concerns without their name becoming public. Sorel said: "For the initial complaint there is we take anonymous complaints... I would believe they would be able to remain anonymous throughout the process."
Sorel also cautioned that complaint packages can include sensitive personnel materials and that the law director is reconciling policy language with the collective bargaining agreement. Because of that sensitivity, Sorel said what appears in a complaint package may be decided on a case-by-case basis. The board asked for standard operating procedures or a handbook so members do not recommend changes that already exist in police policy.
