CRC WORKGROUPS

CRC members participate in sub-committees (known as workgroups) to gather community information, recommend policy changes, or advise on operational issues. A list of active workgroups and updates on their various activities are provided in each IPR/CRC Quarterly Report. An overall summary of 2009 workgroup activity follows.

Bias-based Policing

The Bias-based Policing Workgroup was formed to review complaints of disparate treatment in policing and how IPR and the Bureau handle those complaints. The group presented its interim report, based on a detailed review of 60 case files, at the February 2009 CRC meeting. The report’s recommendations include: improved interviewing and intake techniques; office policies; IPR, IAD, and officer training; and additional follow-up research.

Later in 2009, the workgroup gathered public feedback on the interim findings and recommendations, met twice with the Chief of Police, and prepared a final version of its case-review report. The group plans to complete and present its report in early 2010.

Case Handling

The Case Handling Workgroup was formed to review three particular dispositions that result in quick resolutions, but do not provide an avenue for appeal by the complainant or officer; dismissals by IPR, declines by IAD, and service improvement opportunities (previously known as service complaints). The workgroup reviewed a sample of cases in which the complainant voiced a protest to the case-handling decision. Despite the objections, the workgroup found that IPR had made an appropriate decision in each case. Plans for a full-scale file review (larger sample, etc.) were suspended as the workgroup lost members. Heading into 2010, the workgroup has been assigned members and given a different name (Recurring Audit Workgroup).

CRC Retreat

The CRC Retreat Workgroup is tasked with setting the agenda and determining content for the biennial CRC Retreat. The 2009 CRC Retreat (held in February) covered the CRC Tracking List and the new workgroup template (stating specific objectives, deliverable work products, and timelines). CRC established the following goals for 2009 and 2010: increase credibility among stakeholders regarding the IPR/CRC complaint process; review and make recommendations regarding satisfactions with the Bureau; and evaluate and develop in-house training for CRC.

IPR Structure Review

The IPR Structure Review Workgroup was formed to evaluate, prioritize, and respond to the recommendations made in the 2008 Performance Review of IPR. The workgroup defined six-primary focus areas: the complaint process, mediation, policy development, staffing and training, outreach, and transparency. Throughout 2009, it reviewed the current practice in each area and the various recommendations for improvement. Late in the year, the workgroup began preparing a comprehensive report of its review and recommendations.

Outreach

IPR hired a Community Outreach Coordinator in late March 2009. The Outreach Workgroup resumed meeting in June 2009. The workgroup focused on effective ways to increase CRC community outreach and how to best inform community members of CRC’s role. In developing its work plan (presented at the November CRC meeting), it discussed strategies to increase awareness of CRC’s purpose, role, and responsibilities. CRC directed the workgroup to plan community forums in 2010 — to listen to community members about their concerns regarding the Bureau and IPR.

Police Assessment Resource Center

Police Assessment Resource Center (PARC) was hired by IPR to develop recommendations for improving the Bureau’s investigations and policies related to officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths. The PARC Workgroup is evaluating the Bureau’s implementation of the recommendations PARC made in its first two follow-up reports (in 2005 and 2006). The workgroup drafted an initial assessment, compared its findings against additional documentation provided by the Bureau, and is currently drafting a final report with recommendations. Once approved by CRC, the final report will be released to the public and presented to City Council.

Protocol

The Protocol Workgroup reviews the 21 protocols addressing the complaint process. Revisions to the Workgroup (5.12) and Request for Reconsideration of CRC Decision (5.14) Protocols were approved at the March 2009 CRC meeting. The workgroup also reviewed the Public Comment (5.07) and Appeal Process (5.03) Protocols — suggesting revisions to make the processes more user-friendly. The workgroup also revised the Policy Review (5.18) Protocol for clarity and to update duties and responsibilities. CRC approved the protocol and submitted it to the City Auditor for review. The Protocol Workgroup did not meet during the fourth quarter of 2009, but entered 2010 with new members and a new chairperson.

Tracking List

The Tracking List Workgroup completed its charge of examining the existing process for keeping track of policy matters, unresolved issues, and questions raised by CRC during hearings and meetings related to the Bureau and IPR. The workgroup presented its report to the full CRC at the October 2009 meeting.