HomeMy WebLinkAboutSummary Memo 5-13-10AGENDA SUMMARY MEMO
Date: April 26, 2010
Commission Meeting Date: May 13, 2010
Sponsor: COMMISSIONER RICHARD P. DUNN II
Agenda Item: ORDINANCE —
Subject: AMENDING SECTION 11.5-28, ENTITLED "MEMBERSHIP; NOMINATION OF MEMBERS;
TERMS OF OFFICE AND VACANCIES; APPOINTMENT OF THE CIP NOMINATING COMMITTEE"
Impact: CITYWIDE
Purpose of the Item:
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to modify how the members of the Civilian
Investigative Panel (CIP) are nominated so as to better reflect and maintain a balance of
community/district representation as well as diversity. The objective of these modifications is to
insure that the institutional credibility of the CIP is maintained with the community, particularly
in those communities where police misconduct was prevalent.
Background Information:
The present CIP appointment process has resulted in a disproportionate number of the Panel's
membership toward one district. (6 out of ii members are from District 2). As a result there is a
significant decrease in diversity and participation from the impacted citizens. Critical to the
success of the CIP is maintaining institutional credibility within the community, this is
particularly so, if the panel is confronted with an exceedingly sensitive situation; which was the
basis for the CIP's creation.
History has demonstrated that police misconduct often leads to community unrest because the
trust level between not only the police and the community has been compromised, but also the
trust level between the city and the community is compromised. To inspire community
confidence that issues involving police misconduct will be addressed objectively, the community
must perceive that CIP membership demonstrates accountability, transparency, and fairness.
The composition of the panel's membership is the most important aspect of the institutional
credibility of the CIP. Indeed, in recognition of the importance of membership credibility the
initial impaneling of the CIP was balanced from both a district, cultural, and professional
perspective. Unfortunately, the self-contained nature of the existing CIP nomination process
has distorted the membership to create an imbalance that could cost the city and the CIP its
credibility with the community.
Proposed Changes:
The CIP nomination process preserves its autonomy from political influence by maintaining the
CIP nomination committee, but in doing so the proposed amendment would change the
composition to five (5) CIP members, each representing a commission district. Some of the
critical proposed amendments: (i) give each commission district two representatives; (ii) gives
I
Agenda Item ORDNANCE—
the mayor two (2) appointees; (iii) provides that no CIP nominating committee member shall
serve on more than two consecutive nominating committees; and (iv) limits the terms members
may serve in order to insure an infusion of new perspectives and awareness of changing
community dynamics. To effect the transition of the existing membership of the CIP, as of the
effective date, the nominating committee chair of the existing Board shall compose a committee
that reflects the requirements of the proposed ordinance and select the new members
accordingly.
Budget Impact Analysis
NO Is this item related to revenue?
Is this item an expenditure? If so, please identify funding source below.
General Account No:
Special Revenue Account No:
CIP Project No:
NO Is this item funded by Homeland Defense/Neighborhood Improvement Bonds?
Start Up Capital Cost:
Maintenance Cost:
Total Fiscal Impact: None
Agenda Item ORDINANCE-