PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council held its first work-study session on civilian police oversight Tuesday, to discuss options, costs, and legal concerns.
During the three hour meeting, there was no consensus on which of three models - review board, investigative board or auditor/monitor - may be the best choice.
Certain types of oversight groups could require a change to the Phoenix City Charter and would require a city election to implement. The most expensive option is estimated to cost the city about $3.4 million per year.
Tuesday's meeting was called in response to citizen outcry after Phoenix police shot more people in 2018 than any other department in the country.
"Protecting our community means listening to everyone and also providing solutions to where we think is something wrong or improve on something good," Councilmember Laura Pastor said.
Councilmembers Sal DiCiccio and Jim Waring expressed reservations in creating a separate civilian board. A couple of civilians already sit on the Phoenix Police Department's internal use of force and disciplinary review boards. Those boards report to the police chief.
Waring estimated an outside civilian group may only look at a few dozen complaints a year, and he doubted their conclusions would differ significantly from the police chief's decision. DiCiccio worried a civilian board could be too politicized. Currently, officers who disagree with their discipline can appeal to the Phoenix Civil Service Board.
Mayor Kate Gallego says a civilian oversight group is one of several recommendations the city is considering to improve police transparency and accountability.
"The efforts we’re making – the ad-hoc committee, the community survey, the early intervention system, accelerating the rollout of body-worn cameras, increased mental and behavioral health training – are all major strides toward better serving our community and increasing trust," Gallego said.
A second work session about citizen police oversight will take place on October 15. More meetings will be added as needed.
