New Police Accountability Board Has Greater Powers To Investigate Misconduct In City Of Berkeley

Press release from City of Berkeley:

July 2, 2021

Berkeley, California - People seeking to file a complaint about Berkeley Police misconduct or a commendation for good actions have a new body they can reach out to investigate complaints: the Office of the Director of Police Accountability.

This new office assumes the duties of the former Police Review Commission but wields greater powers to investigate complaints, has broader access to police records and has more time to investigate a complaint before making potential findings or a recommendation.

The Director of Police Accountability, who is appointed by the City Council, would submit findings and recommendations to the Police Accountability Board, a 9-member body appointed by the City Council and which can make recommendations on discipline.

Learn more at the inaugural meeting on July 7th.

Know timelines, rules for filing a complaint

Director and board can also investigate policy

Expanded powers, new structure

Police department also investigates complaints, takes commendations

Links:

• Office of the Director of Police Accountability
• Filing a complaint
• November 2020 Charter Amendment
• Berkeley Police Department complaints and commendations page

This press release was produced by City of Berkeley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.