HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-30-1999 CommunicationMarch 23, 1999
Ms. Catherine A. Pugh
Stein & Pugh LLC
221'/z E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Re: PCRB
Dear Catherine:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
By memorandum of February 25, 1999 from Sandy Bauer, Assistant to the PCRB, I received a draft
of the information cover sheet for the Police Department complaint form and the PCRB complaint
form. Enclosed you will find a revised draft of that form which I have prepared. I have made additions
to both sections, and in doing so have attempted to accommodate the often competing needs for
simplicity and accuracy. I am concerned that providing too little information will lead to
misunderstandings and/or unreasonable expectations. I have added the following information:
a. The fact that the PD form will not necessarily generate a formal internal affairs
investigation while the PCRB form will.
b. Only the Police Chief has authority to discipline.
C. Although the entire PCRB process will take longer the complainant will receive the
Police Chiefs report prior to receiving the PCRB's report.
d. The PCRB makes decisions using a "reasonable basis" standard of review.
e. The PCRB does have the right to release names in the case of a sustained ["upheld"
used in draft form] complaint.
f. Reference to the actual PCRB ordinance for more details.
I consider the form to be a work in progress and welcome further discussion with the PCRB.
Please extend my appreciation to the Board for its recent thank -you letter.
I look forward to working with you in connection with these matters while you serve as the PCRB's
attorney.
Very4rul
�y yours,
�/j
Eleanor M. Dilkes
City Attorney
Enclosure
cc: Marian Karr, City Clerk
Steve Atkins, City Manager
R. J. Winkelhake, Police Chief
Sarah Holecek, First Assistant City Attorney
eleanor/Itrlpugh3. doc
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1926. (319) 356-5000. FAX (319) 356-3009
YOU WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT AN IOWA CITY POLICE OFFICER.
WHICH COMPLAINT FORM SUITS YOUR PURPOSE?
There are two different complaint forms. The type of form you choose determines who is involved in the
investigation of your complaint and to what extent the results of the investigation will become public.
1. Iowa City Police Department Complaint Form
If you use the Police Department form, the Iowa City Police Department will determine how the complaint
should be addressed and what type of investigation is necessary. Depending on the nature of the
complaint, the investigation may be informal, such as a discussion between you and the officer's
supervisor, or it may be a formal internal affairs investigation in which you, the officer(s) and witnesses
are interviewed and a formal written report detailing the findings and conclusions of the investigators is
prepared for review by the Police Chief. You will be notified of the outcome of the investigation.
Generally, the investigation is considered a non-public, confidential record as is any officer discipline which
may result from the findings of the investigation. By law, the Police Chief decides whether and how an
officer will be disciplined. Complaints filed on this form are not reviewed by the Police Citizens' Review
Board and are generally handled within the Police Department.
When you use this type of form it usually takes between a week and 90 days for you to receive a final
response from the Police Department.
2. Police Citizens' Review Board (PCRB) Complaint Form
If you use the PCRB form, your complaint will be investigated by the Iowa City Police Department. In
every case, the Police Department will conduct a formal internal affairs type of investigation. As soon as
you file your form, the PCRB will receive a copy of it, so they know your complaint is being investigated.
When the Police Department has finished its investigation, the Police Chief will prepare a written report
for the PCRB and will send a copy of that report to you and the officer involved. The PCRB reviews the
Chiefs report and determines what, if any, additional information or investigation the PCRB needs to make
a decision. The Board may conduct its own investigation. After reviewing/investigating the Chiefs report,
the PCRB determines if the Chiefs conclusions are reasonable and issues a public report to the City
Council. You will be notified of the outcome of the PCRB's review.
The PCRB handles its work with complaints confidentially. Generallly, the PCRB's report to the
City Council will not include your name or the officer's name although the PCRB does have the right to
include your name and the officer's name in the report if the complaint is upheld. The media may report
information about PCRB decisions.
The PCRB has no authority to discipline an officer, though the PCRB may comment generally as
to whether discipline is appropriate.
When you use this type of a form it usually takes between 60 and 90 days to receive the Police Chief's
report and between 4 to 5 months to receive the PCRB's final report.
If you would like further information regarding the procedures and authority of the PCRB, please see the
PCRB Ordinance, Iowa City Code Chapter 8-8, available in the City Clerk's office.
If you have questions about choosing a form, contact the Police Department (356-5275) or the PCRB
Office (356-5413)
The City of Iowa City
WHEN: April 28, 1999
TIME: 7:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.
WHERE: Broadway Neighborhood Center
2105 Broadway Street
Iowa City
SPEAKERS: Sign-up will be available at the forum
The PCRB invites YOU to attend a community forum soliciting comments about policies,
procedures, and practices of the Iowa City Police Department. We want to learn if the Iowa
City Police Department's performance is in keeping with community standards.
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police, will make a presentation on the Special Crimes Action
Team and other issues of interest to citizens living in the Broadway area.
The PCRB will use suggestions and recommendations from the forum as we determine the
focus and direction of our work.
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5413
March 11, 1999
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
Iowa City Police Department
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240
Dear Chief Winkelhake:
The members of the Board are looking forward to your attendance at the PCRB
Community Forum on Wednesday, April 28, 1999, at 7:00 P.M., at the Broadway
Neighborhood Center.
With regard to your presentation at the forum, the Board feels you may wish to
address police related concerns that are inherent to the neighborhood and what
measures the police department is taking to deal with them. These concerns and
measures could include, but not necessarily be limited to: types and frequency of
crimes, police public relations and prevention programs, enforcement activities,
results and outcomes which you believe would be of interest to those citizens living
in this area of the city.
Because of the nature of your presentation, we expect a question and answer
session will follow. However, I want to limit your participation to thirty (30)
minutes so that the remainder of the time will be available for comments to the
Board.
If there is any information you would like to appear on the notice for this forum,
please let me know by the week of March 22. Feel free to contact me if you have
any questions.
Very truly �yours,
Leah Cohen, Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
cc: Steve Atkins, City Manager
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
MEMORANDUM
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
DATE: March 25, 1999
TO: PCRB
FROM: Marian K. Karr
RE: Update on Legal Counsel Search
Attached is a copy of the revised job description for PCRB legal counsel. Ads will be run
in the Iowa City Press Citizen 3/20-26/99 and the Cedar Rapids Gazette on 3/21/99.
The ad also appears on the Iowa City web page at www.iowa-city.coiyi/city-/persoiuiel.
Copies have been sent to:
Linn County Bar Association President Darrel A. Morf
Johnson County Bar Association President John T. Nolan
Drake University Law School Career Services
University of Iowa College of Law Career Services -Law Placement
All resumes will be forwarded to you at the end of the advertising period.
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD (PCRB) ATTORNEY
Independent legal counsel to PCRB. Licensed attorney with experience with criminal law and municipal
boards and commissions important. Duties include: advise PCRB on operation of city ordinance, by-laws
and standard operating procedures, criminal law and procedures, Iowa Public Records Law, Iowa Open
Meetings Law, review PCRB reports, memoranda, correspondence, interaction with Board members, City
Attorney, City Clerk, City Staff, City Council, citizens and police. Attendance at all meeting required.
Send resume and salary information no later than Spm, April 19, 1999, to Marian K. Karr, City Clerk, 410
E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240. The City is an equal opportunity employer.
. City of Iowa City
zlmzreft��ff ff
DATE: March 8, 1999
TO: Staff of City Boards and Commissions
FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk 0-
RE: Absence Policy for City Boards and Commissions
The City Council Rules Committee has proposed a City wide Board and Commission
Absence Polio . After discussion the City Council recommended input on the following
proposal prior to Council action. Please review the policy with your Board or
Commission and submit written comments to me by April 30.
1. Absence of a board or commission member from more than 20% of the
meetings in any successive 12 month period after the date of their appointment
shall constitute just cause for removal from office. After notification from the
staff of a Board or Commission of such absence, the City Clerk will advise City
Council in writing and provide a copy to the board or commission member.
2. In accordance with Chapter 372.15 of the Code of Iowa, persons appointed to a
Board or Commission by the City Council may be removed only by that body.
Such removal must be by written order (resolution) filed with the City Clerk with
a copy sent to the member by certified mail. The order must set forth the reason
for the removal and must explain that it is subject to the right of the member,
within thirty (30) days from the mailing date, to file with the City Clerk a request
for a hearing before the City Council on all issues related to the removal. The
hearing shall be held within thirty (30) days of the date the request is filed, unless
the member involved requests a later date. In the event no hearing is requested
the order for removal stands and a vacancy is announced on that Board or
Commission.
3. A Board or Commission member who has accumulated one-half of the
maximum number of permitted absences will receive from the City Clerk, upon
notification from the staff of a Board or Commission of such absence, a written
reminder of this policy. Such reminder will be sent prior to the next meeting of
the Board or Commission.
abs nce.dm
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319) 356-5413
FORM LETTER A
Date
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
and/or
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Dear xxxxxx:
The Police Citizens Review Board has received Complaint 1199-xx filed on xxxxx xx,
1999. This complaint appears to be an untimely complaint and will be reviewed by
the Board at its next meeting.
The Board will advise you of its status after their review.
Sincerely,
Leah Cohen, Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
cc: PCRB
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5413
FORM LETTER B
Date
Dear xxxxxx:
The Police Citizens Review Board has received your Complaint dated xxxxx,
xx,1999 regarding an incident that took place on xxxxxx, xx, 1999.
Under Section 8-8-3 D of the City Code of Iowa City, the PCRB can only consider
complaints brought within 60/90 days of the incident complained of, it appears
from your complaint that it is possible that your complaint was filed too late for the
Board to consider. At the Board's next meeting on xxxxx, xx, 1999, it will consider
whether it should dismiss your complaint because it was filed too late. The Board
would be glad to receive and review any written information from you relevant to
your complaint's timeliness. Any materials you want the PCRB to consider should
be sent to the Board before its meeting on xxxxx xx.
If you have any questions about this matter, please contact the PCRB office at
356-5413 or 356-5401.
Sincerely,
Leah Cohen, Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
cc: R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5413
FORM LETTER C
Date
Dear xxxxxx:
The Complaint you filed with the Police Citizens Review Board on xxxxx xx, 1999
was summarily dismissed by the Board at its meeting on xxxxx xx, 1999 because it
was untimely filed. As noted in the PCRB ordinance:
All complaints must be filed with either the Board or
The Iowa City Police Department within sixty (60) [ninety
(90)] days of the alleged misconduct... or be subject to
summary dismissal by the Board.
Although your complaint will not be reviewed by the PCRB, there is a method for
you to file a complaint directly with the Iowa City Police Department should you
wish to pursue this matter.
If you have any further questions regarding this, please call the Board office.
Sincerely,
Leah Cohen, Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
cc: PCRB
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5413
FORM LETTER D
Date
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
and/or
Steve Atkins, City Manager
RE: PCRB #99-xx
Dear xxxxxx:
In accordance with Section 8-8-3(E) of the PCRB Ordinance and Section 1.13 of its
Standard Operating Procedures, the Police Citizens Review Board considered
Complaint #99-xx in executive session on xxxxxx xx, 1999. The incident which is
the subject of this complaint occurred on xxxxxx xx, 1999. The PCRB hereby
summarily dismisses Complaint #99-xx. The Police Department [or City Manager]
does not need to proceed with an investigation of this complaint.
Sincerely,
Leah Cohen, Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
cc: PCRB
FORM
PCRB REPORT OF SUMMARY DISMISSAL TO THE CITY
COUNCIL
Re Investigation`of CPii�pl'a�nt ]?,trf2B 99 xx° " :„
PCRB Complaint J199-xx, filed xxxxx, 1999, was summarily dismissed
as required by the city Code, Section 8-8-3 D and 8-8-3 E, requiring that the
complaint must be filed within sixty (60) days [ninety (90) days I of the
alleged misconduct.
DATED:
750 Iowa 521 NORTH WESTERN REPORTER, 2d SERIES
(4) II. We have many times emphasized
the distinction between jurisdiction and au-
thority. See, e.g., State v. Mandicirw, 509
N.W.2d 481, 482 (Iowa 1993). We agree that
the trial court lacked authority to proceed in
Woodbury County district court with this
special statutory remedy.
(5, 61 As a general rule, contempt is un-
available to enforce a money judgment. See
Iowa Code § 626.1 (money judgments en-
forceable by execution; other commanded
acts are to be coerced by contempt); Iowa
Code § 665.2 (generally setting forth con-
tempt grounds). A special statute, involving
support orders entered in dissolution of mar-
riage decrees, provides an exception to this
rule. A district court has authority to hear
and determine contempt proceedings in the
context of delinquent child support. Iowa
Code § 598.23A (1993).
[7) But this power is a special one the
legislature accorded only in dissolution of
marriage cases. It is not a separate cause of
action, but a remedy specifically appended in
order to enforce orders already entered. We
do not think the legislature intended for bi-
furcation of disputes concerning support,
modification, or other matters that may arise
within a dissolution of marriage proceeding.
We are convinced the legislature intended for
these matters to be pursued only within the
original proceeding. Because the contempt
proceeding is merely au adjunct to the case
in Black Hawk district court, and not an
independent action, we agree that the appro-
priate remedy is dismissal, not transfer un-
der rule of civil procedure 175.
We agree that the Woodbury district court
lacked authority to apply the contempt power
available in Black Hawk district court.
AFFIRMED.
w
O 5 R[Y MUMSER SYSTEM
r
The HAWK EYE and William
Mertens, Appellees,
V.
Patrick C. JACKSON, Appellant,
Iowa Department of Public Safety,
Intervenor -Appellant.
No. 93-666.
Supreme Court of Iowa.
Sept. 21, 1994.
Newspaper sought writ of mandamus
compelling disclosure of Division of Criminal
Investigation (DCI) report concerning allega-
tion of use of excessive force by police, and
the District Court, Des Moines County, John
C. Miller, J., granted writ. Division appeal-
ed, and the Supreme Court, Neuman, J., held
that any public harm created by disclosure of
report was far outweighed by public harm
accruing from nondisclosure.
Affirmed.
1. Mandamus e-187.9(1)
Review of mandamus action by Supreme
Court is de novo, and Supreme Court gives
weight to district court's fact -findings but is
not bound by them. I.C.A. § 661.3.
2. Records e-60
Privilege protecting peace officers' in-
vestigative reports and communications made
to public officers in official confidence is qual-
ified, and official claiming privilege must
show that public officer is being examined,
communication was made in official confi-
dence, and public interest would suffer by
disclosure. I.C.A. §§ 22.7, 622.11.
3. Records <-60
Determination of whether public interest
would suffer by disclosure of official commu-
nications for purposes of qualified privilege
covering communications requires weighing
relative merits of interests at stake. I.C.A.
§§ 22.7, 622.11.
HAWK EYE v. JACKSON Iowa 751
Clu es 521 N.W.2d 750 (Iowa 1994)
4. Records G-64 8. Records Qw 60
Aids to law enforcement of encouraging
persons to come forward with information,
protecting secrecy of informants, and allow-
ing law enforcement officials necessary priva-
cy to discuss findings and theories constitute
only one factor to be considered by court in
determining if public interest would suffer by
disclosure of conditionally privileged commu-
nications of law enforcement officials, and
factor is not determinative; other case-spe-
cilic factors, such as nature of investigation
and whether it is completed or ongoing, may
tip balance in favor of public disclosure.
I.C.A. H 22.7, 622.11.
5. Records <-65
Finding that public interest would not
suffer by disclosure of Division of Criminal
Investigation (DCI) report concerning allega-
tion of use of excessive force by police officer
was supported by evidence that only two
witnesses to investigation expressed concern
about giving statements, and witnessesre-
luctance stemmed solely from uncertainty
about upcoming civil litigation and not from
fear of retaliation, no confidential informants
were used in investigation, newspaper's in-
quiry into incident arose only after official
investigation had ceased, no showing was
made that report contained hearsay, rumor,
or libelous comment, and report contained no
subjective theories, conclusions, or recom-
mendations. I.C.A. §§ 22.7, 622.11.
6. Records <-64
Allegations of leniency or cover-up with
respect to disciplining of those sworn to en-
force the law are matters of great public
concern in determining potential harm to
public interest to be suffered by disclosure of
conditionally privileged statements made by
public officers. I.C.A. H 22.7, 622.11.
7. Records 0-64
Existence of alternate means of access
to essentially same information is factor to be
weighed in determining whether disclosure of
conditionally privileged communications of
public officials is warranted. I.C.A. H 22.7,
622.11.
Release of conditionally privileged com-
munication by public officer does not depend
on status of party seeking release. I.C.A.
H 22.7, 622.11.
9. Records <-52, 60
Newspaper has same right of access as
any member of general public, and it is in
that representative capacity that newspaper's
interest in disclosure of conditionally privi-
leged communications by public officials must
be evaluated. I.C.A. H 22.7, 622.11.
Bonnie J. Campbell, Atty. Gen., and Jef-
frey D. Farrell, Asst. Atty. Gen., for appel-
lants.
Gene R. Krekel'and H. Craig Miller of
Hirsch, Adams, Krekel, Putnam & Cahill,
Burlington, for appellees.
Susan M. Bee and Michael A. Giudicessi of
Faegre & Benson, Des Moines, for amicus
curiae Iowa Freedom of Information Council.
Considered by McGIVERIN, C.J., and
HARRIS, LAVORATO, NEUMAN, and
TERNUS, JJ.
NEUMAN, Justice..
This appeal concerns a county attorney's
refusal to produce an Iowa Division of Crimi-
nal Investigation file for inspection by a
newspaper. After weighing the interests of
the public on the issue, the district court
ordered the official to turn over the file. We
affirm.
In the spring of 1991, Steve Sands, a re-
porter for the Burlington newspaper, The
Hawk Eye, wrote a series of articles aimed at
local reaction to the highly publicized beating
of Rodney King by Los Angeles police offi-
cers. As a part of the series, Sands inter-
viewed local law enforcement officials about
whether allegations of excessive force had
ever been lodged against a member of the
Burlington police department. During one
of these interviews, Sands learned of a possi-
ble civil suit against police officer Michael
Swore. Sands approached police chief Wen-
dell Patton for his comment regarding the
suit. Patton, previously unaware of the alle-
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HAWK EYE v. JACKSON Iowa 753
Cue as 521 N.W.2d 750 (Iowa 1994)
cer in official confidence, when the public Jackson's blanket claim of privilege. Appel -
interests would suffer by the disclosure. lants' reasons for protecting the confidentiali-
[21 In State ex ret Shanahan v. Iowa ty of the DCI report, while not insubstantial,
District Court 356 N.W.2d 522, 528 (Iowa do not justify nondisclosure under the unique
1984), we observed that these two statutory facts of this case.
provisions express essentially the same legis-
lative purpose with respect to DCI files: as-
surance to all persons upon whom law en-
forcement officials rely that "official confi-
dentiality attends their conversations and
may protect from public access the officers'
reports of what they have said." Id. The
privilege cloaking these communications,
however, is qualified, not absolute. Id. at
627. An official claiming the privilege must
satisfy a three-part test: (1) a public officer
is being examined, (2) the communication
was made in official confidence, and (3) the
public interest would suffer by disclosure.
Id at 527; accord Shannon v. Hansen, 469
N.W.2d 412, 414 (Iowa 1991).
[31 Only the third part of the test con-
cerns us here. Determining where the line
falls between public harm and public good
requires weighing the relative merits of the
interests at stake. We have long recognized
that confidentiality encourages persons to
come forward with information, whether sub-
stantiated or not, that might be used to solve
crimes and deter criminal activity. Shana-
han, 356 N.W.2d at 529. Secrecy is especial-
ly vital where reports are based on confiden-
tial informants, persons indispensable to sue-
cesshd police work but who frequently fear
intimidation and reprisal. Id. at 529-30.
Furthermore, nondisclosure permits law en-
forcement officials the necessary privacy to
discuss findings and theories about cases un-
der investigation. Id at 529.
[4] We have also held, however, that
these important aids to effective law enforce-
ment comprise only one factor to be consid-
ered by the court and are "not determinative
as to the 'public interest' test" Shannon,
469 N.W.2d at 415. Other case -specific fac-
tors, such as the nature of the investigation
and whether it is completed or ongoing, may
tip the balance in favor of public disclosure.
See id
[5) III. Turning to the record before us,
we are convinced the court wisely rejected
First, the compelling reasons ordinarily
underlying the need for witness confidentiali-
ty are absent. Only Swore and one other
witness expressed any concern about giving a
statement. In each case the reluctance
stemmed solely from uncertainty about their
upcoming roles in the civil litigation, not con-
cern over intimidation or retaliation. Both
ultimately testified publicly in the civil trial,
as did ten persons out of the total of fourteen
interviewed by Kisner. No confidential in-
formants were used in the investigation.
Second, the record reflects that the news -
paper's inquiry arose only after official inves-
tigation into the Swore incident had ceased.
Kisner reported that he closed the DCI file
following the decision not to prosecute.
Jackson expressed his belief that any recon-
sideration of his decision would be barred by
the applicable statute of limitations for as-
sault. He was unaware of any pending fed-
eral charges arising out of the same incident.
Thus any claim that an on -going investigation
might be hindered by disclosure of the report
is unsubstantiated.
Third, the appellants made no showing
that the DCI report contained hearsay, ru-
mor, or libelous comment. Because the focus
of the investigation rested solely on Swore,
no legitimate concerns exist over named but
innocent suspects... Kisner's report contained
no subjective theories, conclusions, or recom-
mendations, thus minimizing the need for
secrecy present in most investigations.
The district court properly weighed the
foregoing facts against the newspaper's proof
that the public interest would be harmed by
denial of access to the DCI file. See Shana-
han, 356 N.W.2d at 530. The record reveals
that community interest and concern over
allegations of police brutality, already piqued
by the events in Los Angeles, was height-
ened by the suit against Swore. This inter-
est grew upon the filing of a second civil suit
against him. Mertens testified that, once the
jury reached a verdict in apparent conflict
754 Iowa 521 NORTH WESTERN REPORTER, 2d SERIES
with city officials' decisions, the newspaper
received many more letters to the editor
expressing concern over both incidents.
[6] There can be little doubt that allega-
tions of leniency or cover-up with respect to
the disciplining of those sworn to enforce the
law are matters of great public concern.
This fact is underscored by Patton and Jack-
son's own testimony regarding the immediate
action taken upon hearing Swore was ac-
cused of using excessive force.
[7] Appellants nevertheless claim that
the newspaper's need for disclosure is slight
because the same information could have
been gained from trial testimony or the
newspaper's own private interviews. It is
true that existence of an alternate means of
access to essentially the same information is
a factor to be weighed in -determining wheth-
er disclosure is warranted. Id, at 531. But
motivating the newspaper's claim is its con-
cern that the information contained in the
DCI report may not be similar to that re-
vealed at trial or secured by reporters out-
side the courtroom. That suspicion is only
strengthened by the jury's verdict. So long
as it is barred from seeing the report, the
newspaper is effectively prevented from as-
sessing the reasonableness of the official ac-
tion. Like the district court, we believe that
neither the trial testimony nor independent
witness interviews would shed light on that
assessment.
[8, 91 Rinally, we reject appellants' con-
tention that the newspapers' interest in the
report is lower —and thus less compelling —
than the interest of the plaintiff in Shana-
han, a litigant seeking discovery relevant to
his civil lawsuit. Release of the report does
not depend on the status of the party seeking
it. Northeast Council on Substance Abuse,
Inc. v. Iowa. Dept of Public Health, 513
N.W.2d 757, 761 (Iowa 1994). The newspa-
per has the same right of access as any
member of the general public. See Head v.
Colloton, 331 N.W.2d 870, 874 (Iowa 1983).
It is in that representative capacity that its
interest in disclosure must be evaluated.
In summary, our de novo review of this
record leads us to the same conclusion
reached by the district court. Under the
unique facts of this case, any public harm
created by the disclosure of the DCI investi-
gatory report is far outweighed by the public
harm accruing from its nondisclosure. The
district court's order compelling disclosure is
therefore affirmed.
►1V511i4Uga171
(ITS n NUNS[ SSY N
In the Interest of C.T., A Minor,
C.T., Appellant.
No. 94-138.
Supreme Court of Iowa.
Sept. 21, 1994.
Juvenile was adjudicated in the District
Court, Scott County, Gary D. McKenrick,
District Associate Judge, as delinquent after
being found to have committed acts of tam-
pering with witness and criminal gang partic-
ipation, and he appealed. The Supreme
Court, Tereus, J., held that: (1) determina-
tion in prior adjudication that organization
was criminal street gang could not be used to
establish that fact in adjudication of juvenile
who was not party to or in privity with party
to earlier proceeding, but (2) evidence sup-
ported findings that juvenile had committed
acts of delivery of controlled substance and
criminal gang participation.
Affirmed.
1. Assault and Battery e-53
One form of assault is going armed with
intent to commit felony. I.C.A. § 708.8.
2. Judgment ca707
State could not use determination made
in prior adjudication that organization was
"criminal street gang" within meaning of
statute in later adjudication of juvenile mem-
ber of organization for criminal gang partic-
ipation where juvenile was not party to prior
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5413
March 10, 1999
Ms. Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240
Dear Eleanor:
The PCRB would like to extend a very sincere thank you for all your help this
past month. We feel comfortable with the Council's decisions and realize
your support was necessary to reach these goals. The Board will continue to
monitor and make suggestions as we feel necessary. This first year and a
half has been a leaning process for all of us. Your insights have helped
make it possible for us to fulfill our duties under the ordinance. We thank
you for your confidence and support.
Sincerely,
Leah Cohen, Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
cc: Steve Atkins, City Manager
Ernie Lehman, Mayor
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police