DULUTH, MN (Northland's NewsCenter) - Duluth City Councilors voiced concerns and questions Thursday about the establishment of a Citizen Review Board.
The board is meant to help strengthen relationships between residents and police, especially those who may distrust law enforecement.
Many of the concerns focused on the proposed make-up of the board.
Some councilors asked why it is suggested that at least three people of color and three women be on the seven member board.
While a retired police officer could be one of the members, active officers cannot. Councilors questioned whether current officers should be a part of the board to provide balance.
A task force has been working about five years to develop what the board could look like and its duties.
The board would develop a process to receive complaints about alleged Ppolice misconduct, including excessive force, abusive language, harassment, theft and discrimination.
The task force included Police Chief Gordon Ramsey and residents of color.
Some members said having more of a police presence on the board could discourage community members who feel oppressed from filing a complaint with board.
"What we're looking for is, in this case, is citizen analysis free of law enforcement influence," said task force member Ricky DeFoe.
Meanwhile a police union spokesman says the union doesn't believe the review board is necessary.
"What we're looking for is, in this case, is citizen analysis free of law enforcement influence," said Ricky DeFoe, a task force member.
Meanwhile a police union spokesman says the union doesn't believe the review board is necessary.
"There are many levels of oversight already in place to over see our actions and to hold us accountable when necessary," said Tom Maida of the Duluth Police Union.
One of the other concerns of the council was how much data would be available to the Citizen Review Board. Some worried about private data being leaked if it becomes available.
That's while some task force members believe access to private data could be essential for analysis and creating trust.
Task force members noted this review board does not stem from any particular incident in Duluth.
Councilor Sharla Gardner who has sat in on task force meetings said she's heard numerous stories that she says have "broken her heart".
The council is scheduled to decide whether to approve the establishment of the review board Monday.
View the details of the proposed Citizen Review Board at:
http://www.duluthmn.gov/clerk/council/resord12/12-030-o.pdf
Posted to Web by Jena Pike
jpike@northlandsnewscenter.com
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