HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-1999 Communication DRAFT
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
October 1, 1998 to June 30, 1999
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Police Citizens Review Board (PCRB) was created by Ordinance
No. 97-3792 of the City of Iowa City on July 15, 1997 (amended by
Ordinance No. 99-3877 on April 28, 1999).
The Board was established to assure that investigations into claims of
police misconduct are conducted in a manner which is fair, thorough, and
accurate, and to assist the Police Chief, the City Manager, and the City
Council in evaluating the overall performance of the Police Department by
reviewing the Police Department's investigations into complaints. The Board
is also required to maintain a central registry of complaints and to provide an
annual report setting forth the numbers, types and disposition of complaints
of police misconduct. To achieve these purposes, the Board complies with
Chapter 8 of the Iowa City Code, the Board's By-Laws and Standard
Operating Procedures and Guidelines.
PCRB Responsibilities include:
1. Review all complaints of police misconduct
· Review Chief's Report in a manner that is fair, thorough and
accurate
· Issue public report to City Council
2. Help the Chief, City Manager, and City Council evaluate the
overall performance of the Iowa City Police Department (ICPD)
· Maintain a monitoring system for tracking complaints
· Provide an annual report to the City Council
· Review practices, procedures and policies and make
recommendations for change
Recommend ways for the ICPD to improve community
relations and be more responsive to community needs
3. Assure the citizens of Iowa City that the ICPD's performance is
in keeping with community standards.
· Seek and accept comment, opinion and advice
PCRI~ Annual Rcp(~rt FY 'g9 7/27199- ]
· Hold periodic community forums to gather public input and
to inform the public
ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM 10/1/98 TO
6/30/99
Meetings
The PCRB holds regular meetings on the second Tuesday and special
meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the month. To address complaints during
the period covered by this report and to handle a variety of administrative
tasks and outreach activities, the Board held 30 meetings, each averaging
two to three hours in length. Board members assigned to review
investigations of complaints and prepare written reports for the City Council
spent up to four hours per complaint to complete these tasks. The whole
Board also devoted about 16 hours to discussions, preparations, meetings,
and presentations related to changes in By-Laws, Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs), and the City Ordinance. We estimate that during the
period covered by this report, Board members each dedicated at least 84
hours to the work of the PCRB (for a total of 420 hours).
Administration
Bylaws, Standard Operating Procedures, City Ordinance Changes
During the year, the Board worked with City staff and the Council to
make minor revisions to its By-Laws and to obtain formal approval for the
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) the Board originally implemented in
September 1998. In addition, the City revised the Ordinance under which
the Board was established and operates. During this lengthy process, the
full Board and individual members met a number of times with City staff and
the City Council, and the full Board made a formal presentation to the
Council, expressing concerns related to proposed SOP and ordinance
revisions.
One of the Board's major concerns was that it continue to have
access to information with which to track patterns in complaints against
officers, though not necessarily information that would identify individual
officers. Satisfactory resolutions of this issue and other matters were
ultimately reached and are reflected in the ordinance amendment passed on
April 28, 1999 and in the changes approved for the SOPs.
PCRB Annual Rcporl FY '99 7/27/9~;-2
Complaint Procedures
To streamline the complaint process for complainants, the Board
redesigned and simplified the complaint form to collect only essential
information. It also initiated development of a simple message to accompany
both the PCRB form and the Police Department complaint form. This
message was designed to help complainants choose which form to complete
and, thereby, to designate the process by which their complaints will be
handled.
The Board also developed form letters and procedures for addressing
untimely filed complaints and standardized the content of routine board
correspondence.
Ordinance 99-3877 extends the time complainants have for filing
complaints from 60 to 90 days of the alleged misconduct.
Time Required to Complete the Complaint Review Process
To complete the Board's review and reporting on complaints in the
reporting period covered by this report, both the Board and the Police
Department consistently found it necessary to request extensions of the time
limits specified in the ordinance establishing the Board. Both groups
requested that these limits be extended. Ordinance No. 99-3877 specifies
that the Chief's Report to the Board must be completed within 90 calendar
days after a complaint is filed and that the Board's report to the City Council
must be completed within 45 calendar days of receipt of the Chief's Report.
Community Forums
The PCRB held two public forums during the reporting period covered
by this report. Approximately 60 people, including a number of Iowa City
police officers, attended the forum at the Newman Center on December 1,
1998. Discussion and comments focused mainly on concerns of university
students.
The Police Chief made a presentation at the forum held at the
Broadway Neighborhood Center on April 28, 1999. The Board heard
comments from neighborhood young people, landlords, and other citizens,
mainly about neighborhood concerns.
Issues raised at community forums help determine the direction of
Board activities and are addressed in its long-term goals.
PCRB Annual Reporll:Y '9~ 7/27/99-3
To provide more flexibility in options for future forums, the Board
modified its By-Laws to permit forums to be held in non-City buildings.
Complaints
Number and Type of Allegations
The Board received thirteen complaints in the reporting period covered
by this report, nine in calendar year 1998 and four to date in calendar
year1999. Nine public reports have been issued by the Board; one was
dismissed as not timely filed; three are now under review, The following
data are based on the twenty-eight allegations in the nine complaints
reported on. All nine complaints contained more than one allegation.
Allegations
Excessive force 5
Rude behavior or "attitude" 4
Racial discrimination/racially motivated behavior 3
Unreasonable search 3
Disagreement with officer assessment of the situation 3
Unprofessional conduct 2
Unwarranted charged filed 2
No probable cause 1
Arrest for intoxication on private property 1
Complainant not informed of outstanding warrant 1
Complainant not permitted to take medication 1
Unnecessary administration of breath test
Profanity used 1
Level of Review Selected for Complaints Covered in this Report
The Board decided, by simple majority vote, the level of review to give
each report submitted by the Chief or the City Manager, selecting one or
more of the six levels specified in the City Code:
10/1/98 to
6/30/99
Level a On the record with no additional investigation 4
Level b Interview or meet with complainant 0
Level c Interview or meet with named officer O
Level d Request additional investigation by Chief or 5
City Manager, or request police assistance
In the Board's own investigation
Level e Board performs its own additional investigation 4
Level f Hire independent investigators 0
I~('RB AanualReporlFY '99 7/27/99-4
Complaint Resolutions
Complaints of misconduct of police officers are investigated by the
Police Department. The Police Chief summarizes the results of these
investigations and indicates in a report (the Chief's Report) to the PCRB
whether allegations are sustained or not sustained. (If complaints are made
against the Chief, the City Manager conducts the investigation and prepares
and submits the reports.)
The Board reviews both the citizen's complaint and the Chief's Report
and decides whether the allegations should be sustained or not sustained.
The Board prepares a report for the City Council, with copies to the Chief,
the officers involved, the City Manager, and the complainant.
Of the twenty-eight allegations listed in the nine complaints for which
Board reports have been released, twenty-six were not sustained and two
were sustained.
Comments and/or recommendations for improvement in police policy,
procedures, or conduct were made in four of the Board's reports. The
following is a synopsis of the Board's comments and recommendations:
· An officer was summoned to a situation that was complicated by
cultural and language differences. The Board recommended that
officers receive further training in awareness of cultural differences,
and suggested that officers exercise more flexibility when
responding to clearly "non-standard" situations.
· The Board questioned the appropriateness of using plainclothes
police officers in unmarked vehicles for traffic stops.
· The Board suggested that the Chief make it clear that the use of
profanity by officers while acting in an official capacity is
unprofessional conduct; that the Chief enhance training in methods
to de-escalate situations and to prevent escalation, and; that the
Chief reinforce efforts to insure racial and cultural neutrality in all
policies, practices, and procedures.
· The Board concurred with the Chief's plan to provide formal
counseling on public contact and demeanor for an officer.
Name Clearing Hearings
The ordinance requires the Board not issue a report critical of the
conduct of a sworn officer until after a name clearing hearing has been held.
During the period covered in this report, the Board scheduled two name-
PCRB Armual I{epor! FY '99 - 7/27/~{I-5
clearing hearings; in both cases, the officers waived their right to the hearing
and did not attend.
Mediation
Officers and complainants are notified by mail that formal mediation is
available to them at any stage in the complaint process before the Board
adopts its public report. All parties involved must consent to request for
mediation. The Board received no requests for mediation during the
reporting period covered by this report.
Complaint Histories of Officers
City ordinance requires that the annual report of the PCRB must not
include the names of complainants or officers involved in unsustained
complaints and must be in a form that protects the confidentiality of
information about all parties while providing the public with information on
the overall performance of the Police Department.
In addition, at one of its first meetings, the Board independently
agreed that it did not wish to use the names of officers or complainants in
cases in which complaints are sustained. The Board and the Police Chief
agreed to use only the unique code numbers the department has assigned to
each Iowa City police officer.
During the reporting period covered by this report, there was a great
deal of debate over a proposal to discontinue the use of these individual
unique identifiers and replace them with a numbering system that would not
have permitted the Board to identify (by identifying number only) patterns in
complaints against officers. After ~engthy deliberations that included several
presentations by the Board, the City Council agreed not to change the
ordinance but to retain the current practice of preserving officer identity
through use of individual unique identifying numbers assigned by the
department.
Complaint Histories - 10/1/98 to 6/30/99
Of the ten complaints this report addresses, eleven officers were
named. One officer was cited in four of these complaints, and one officer
was cited in two. The remaining officers were each cited once.
DEMOGRAPHICS OF COMPLAINANTS
The following demographic information provides information from the 10
complaints for which the Board has submitted its report to the City Council.
Because demographic information is provided voluntarily, the Board has
incomplete information to report. Of the ten complaints, eight complainants
provided some demographic information.
Under 21 - 1 complainant
Over 21 - 6 complainants
Unknown 3 complainants
Color:
White 4 complainants
Black - 2 complainants
Unknown - 4 complainants
National Origin:
US - 1
African - 1
Irish 1
German - 1
Unknown 6
~ender Identity:
Male - 4
Female 2
Unknown 4
Sex:
Male 4
Female 4
Sexual Orientation:
Heterosexual 3
Unknown - 7
Marital Status:
Married 3
Unknown - 7
Mental Disability:
No - 4
Unknown - 6
_Physical Disability:
No 4
Unknown - 6
Religion:
Agnostic ~ 1
Catholic - 2
Unknown 7
Some of the demographic information the complainant identifies was not
necessarily provided on the demographic page attached to the complaint
form, but rather from the first page of the complaint form which identifies
the complainant.
BOARD CONCERNS, ISSUES
The Board concerns and issues include:
1. Continue to monitor and address issues related to race-based traffic
stops and other race-based (profiling) issues in policing; closely
monitor data results collected by the ICPD.
2. The need to finish work on the information "card" to be distributed
with complaint forms, and to specify uniform procedures for
distribution.
3. The continuing concern from last year on the limits on the authority of
the board and deferential standard of review.
4, Continue to work on process to get appropriate level of data on all
written complaints filed on Police Department complaint forms
5. Continue to work on specific areas of concern with respect to
department policies, procedures, practices:
· interview techniques
· Acquisition of written transcripts of officer statements
· Participation of officers in name~clearing hearings
PCRB GOALS FOR YEAR 2000
I. Mission
A. Review complaints of police misconduct
B. Help ensure that police department is responsive to community
needs
I1. Goals
A. Board Education
· Hold forums (minimum of two a year)
· Continue to streamline Board procedures
· Continue to look at involvement with national boards and
associations
· Establish a baseline of information to anatyze different types
uf reports
· New Board member briefings
· Visit Police Academy at Camp Dodge
B. Community Education
,, Hold forums
· Provide ii,formation aimed at improving officers'
understanding of the Board's function and educating the
public about the PCRB
C. Policy/Practice/Procedure (PPP) Review
· Review general police policies, procedures and practices, to
include the use of force
· Address the perception of discriminatory enforcement
· Community relations
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Leah Cohen, Chair
John Watson, Vice Chair
P~tricia Farran[
Paul Hoffey
Margaret Raymond resigned, effective June 1, 1999
Filing a Complaint About an Iowa City Police Officer
There are two kinds of complaint forms. Thc form you choose determines how your complaint
will be handled.
Iowa Ci~, Police Department Complaint Form
If you use the Police Department form, thc Iowa City Police Department will determine how to
investigate your complaint. The investigation may be informal, such as a discussion between
you and thc officer's supervisor. Or, it may be formal, which means that you, the officer, and
witnesses will be interviewed by Police Department investigators ~ a written report on thc
department's findings and conclusions wi'Il be prepared. You will be notified of the outcome of
the investigation.
Generally, investigations and any officer disoipline that may result t~om them are considered
nonpublic, confidential records. By law, the Police Chief decides if and how an officer will be
disciplined.
When you use the Police Department complaint form, it usually takes from one week to three
months to receive a final response fi'om the department.
Po~ice Ci~tizens Review, Board (PCRB),,Complaint Form
If you usc the PCRB form, thc Police Department will conduct a formal investigation. As soon
as you file your form, the PCRB will also receive a copy of it, so they know your complaint is
being investigated. When formal investigation is completed, the Police Chief will prepare a
written report and send copies to the PCRB, to you, and to the officers involved.
The PCRB then reviews the Chief's Report and sometimes conducts its own investigation. The
PCRB decides whether the Chief's 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 has no
authority to discipline police officers.
The PCRB handles its work with complaints confidentially and generally does not include
information identifying you or the officer in its repert~ However, ifa complaint i~ upheM, thc
PCRB docs have the right to include the names of complainants and officers in its reports.
When you use the PCRB complaint form, it usually takes three months for the Board to receive
thc Chiet~s Report on the formal investigation and an additional one to two months for the Board
to complete its work.
If you have questions about choosing a form, contact the Police Department
(356-5275) or the Police Citizens Review Board Office (356-5413)
For more information about the PCRB, consuit thc city ordinance that established it (Iowa City
Code Chapter 8-8). Copies are available in the City Clerk's office at the Civic Center, 410 E.
Washington Street (356-5043).
Information She~ 6/99
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5413
July 15, 1999
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
Iowa City Police Department
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240
RE: Traffic Policy
D,ear Chief Winkelhake:
In reply to your memorandum dated June 30, 1999, the PCRB would still
request a presentation by you or a representative of your department at its
meeting on Tuesday, August 10, 1999, on the issue of unmarked cars and
plainclothes police officers in making traffic stops. This request was
prompted by recent incidents involving this issue. Therefore the Board
wishes to discuss with you or your representative the Traffic General Order
presently in effect and the General Order which the department and the
City's legal staff is proposing regarding this topic. Would you please advise
Sandy Bauer by July 22 if this meets with your approval.
Thank again for your cooperation on this matter.
Sincerely,
Leah Cohen, Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
Spouses and relatives of City Council Members and members of comparable County
Boards and Commissions are not eligible for appointment to City Boards and
Commissions. This includes: spouse, child, mother, father, mother- in- law, father-
in- law, brother, sister, brother- in- law, sister- in- law, step-father, step-mother,
step-child, aunt, or uncle. (Resolution 85-354)
M~les: 3
Females: 2
July 27, 1999
POLICE CITIZENS' REVIEW BOARD
One Vacancy - Four-Year Term
September 1, 1999 - September 1, 2003
James Clayton []
3059 Prairie du Chien Road NE (not in the City Limits)
John Robertson []
915 Oakcrest #12
Jeff M. Gillitzer []
911 Highland Avenue
Ron Keefer []
1030 E. Court Street
AS OF NOON 7115199
John Watson [] (served initial two year term)
403 Elmridge Avenue
[] Denotes applicant completed the Confidential page of the application.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
POLICE CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD
APPLICATION FORM -
Individuals serving on Boards/Commissions play an important role in advising the Coun~fl on r~tters of interest
to our community and its future. Applicants must reside in Iowa City. However, the City Counci~ reserves the
right to waive the residency requirement for good cause shown.
After a vacancy has been announced, the Council reviews all applications during the work session. The
appointment is made at the next formal Council meeting. Appointees serve as unpaid volunteers.
PLEASE USE A BLACK INK PEN. Return the application to City Clerk, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City,
Iowa.
THIS APPLICATION IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT AND AS SUCH CAN BE REPRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED FOR
THE PUBLIC, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LAST PAGE MARKED "CONFIDENTIAL', THIS APPLICATION WILL
BE CONSIDERED FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AND AUTOMATICALLY CONSIDERED FOR ANY VACANCY
DURING THAT TIME.
NAME ~~ ~~ HOME ADDRESS ~0 ~ ~ [~ ~[~ ~'~
's your home address (listed above) within the corporate limits of Iowa City~ ~Yes ~ No
How long have you been a resident of Iowa City? ~ ~ ~.~ ~
PHONE NUMBER: HOME 3~7--~2-2~ BUSINESS
EXPERIENCE AND/OR ACTIVITIES WHICH YOU FEEL QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS POSITION: '~ ~,~
PCRB
Page 2
~RE YOU OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A "PEACE OFFICER" AS DEFINED IN IOWA CODE SECTION 801.4(11)
3EE BELOW). IF SO, PLEASE IDENTIFY THE POSITION(S), THE DATES YOU HELD THE POSITION(S), A BRIEF
DESCRIPTION OF YOUR DUTIES IN THE POSITION(S) AND THE REASON YOU LEFT THE POSITION(S)·
"Peace officers", sometimes designated "law enforcement officers", include:
a. Sheriffs and their regular deputies who are subject to mandated law enfo/j~e-
ment training.
b. Marshals and police officers of cities.
c. Peace officer members of the department of public safety as
chapter 80.
d. Parole officers acting pursuant to section 906.2. .~,,
e. Probation officers acting pursuant to section 602.7202, subsection, "'~
section 907.2. _~,.,_ ~-'
f. Special security officers employed by board of regents institutions asset fo~
in section 262.13.
g. Conservation officers as authorized by section 456A. 13.
h. Such employees of the department of transportation as are designated "peace
officers" by resolution of the department under section 321.477.
i. Employees of an aviation authority designated as "peace officers" by the
authority under section 330A.8, subsection 16.
j. Such persons as may be otherwise so designated by law.
WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ADVISORY BOARD?
!
WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN MAKE TO THIS ADVISORY BOARD (OR STATE REASON FOR
~ ~1 ~ I~ ~ I
/ ~' / - j
PCRB
Page 3
IF YOU THINK A CONFLICT OF INTEREST MAY EXIST BETWEEN OTHER ACTIVITIES IN WHICH YOU ARE
ENGAGED AND YOUR POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT TO PCRB, PLEASE DESCRIBE BELOW AND THEN CAN
CONTACT THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED, DO YOU WANT TO BE NOTIFIED? t,' YES NO
DO YOU CURRENTLY SERVE ON ANOTHER IOWA CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION? YES J'~/NO
(It has been Council policy not to permit an individual to serve on two Boards or Commissions at the same time.)
Misrepresentations on this application will constitute just cause for removal of an appointee.
If you fail to answer ell questions on the application you may not be considered for appointment.
cclefk~oolctapp.doc July 1997
CITY OF IOWA CITY
r")LICE CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD ..-
APPLICATION FORIVi -
Individuals serving on Boards/Commissions play an important role in advising the Council on matters of interest
to our community and its future. Applicants must reside in Iowa City. However, the City Council reserves the
right to waive the residency requirement for good cause shown.
After a vacancy has been announced, the Council reviews all applications during the work session. The
appointment is made at the next formal Council meeting. Appointees serve as unpaid volunteers.
PLEASE USE A BLACK INK PEN. Return the application to City Clerk, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City,
Iowa.
THIS APPLICATION IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT AND AB SUCH CAN BE REPRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED FOR
THE PUBLIC, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LAST PAGE MARKED "'CONFIDENTIAL'", THIS APPLICATION WILL
BE CONSIDERED FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AND AUTOMATICALLY CONSIDERED FOR ANY VACANCY
DURING THAT TIME.
ADVISORY BOARD/COMMISSION NAME TERM~~.~
[,'*ME R(3h ~ ~ ;:~ HOME ADDRESS
Is your home address (listed above) within the'corporate limits of Iowa City? ~ Yes __ No
,Jow long have you been a resident of Iowa City? ZT/,.~ ~] ~' o.. y-._~
OCCUPATION (~ ~ ~ ~'o J ,'o
PHONE NUMBER: HOME /~(o¢1
EXPERIENCE AND/OR ACTIVITIES WHICH YOU FEEL QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS POSITION:
PCRB
Page 2
A~c. YOU OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A "PEACE OFFICER" AS DEFINED IN IOWA CODE SECTION 601.4(11)
: BELOW). IF SO, PLEASE IDENTIFY THE POSITION(S), THE DATES YOU HELD THE POSITION(S), A BRIEF
DESCRIPTION OF YOUR DUTIES IN THE POSITION(S) AND THE REASON YOU LEFT THE POSITION(S).
"Peace officers", sometimes designated "law enforcement officers", include:
a. Sheriffs and their regular deputies who are subject to mandated law enforce-
ment training.
b. Marshals and police officers of cities.
c. Peace officer members of the department of public safety as defined in
chapter 80.
d. Parole officers acting pursuant to section 906.2.
e. Probation officers acting pursuant to section 602.7202, subsection 4, and
section 907.2.
f. Special security officers employed by board of regents institutions as set forth
in section 262.13.
g. Conservation officers as authorized by section 456A. 13.
h. Such employees of the department of transportation as are designated "peace
officers" by resolution of the department under section 321.477.
i. Employees of an aviation authority designated as "peace officers" by the
authority under section 330A.8, subsection 16,
j. Such persons as may be otherwise so designated by law.
WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ADVISORY BOARD?
WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN MAKE TO THIS ADVISORY BOARD (OR STATE REASON FOR
APPLYING)?
PCRB
Page 3
IF YOU THINK A CONFLICT OF INTEREST MAY EXIST BETWEEN OTHER ACTIVITIES IN WHICH YOU ARE
ENGAGED AND YOUR POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT TO PCRB, PLEASE DESCRIBE BELOW AND THEN CAN
CONTACT THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED, DO YOU WANT TO BE NOTIFIED7 .~ YES NO
DO YOU CURRENTLY SERVE ON ANOTHER IOWA CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION? YES ~ NO
(It has been Council policy not to permit an individual to serve on two Boards or Commissions at the same time.)
Misrepresentations on this application will constitute just cause for removal of an appointee.
If you fail to answer all questions on the application you may not be considered for appointment.
c~;lerk~olctapp.do¢ July 1997
Prepared by: Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney; 410 E.
Washington St.; lc)wa City, IA 52240; (319) 356-5030
ORDINANCE NO. 99-3891
ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 8,
CHAPTER 8, ENTITLED "POLICE CITIZENS'
REVIEW BOARD," SECTION 7, ENTITLED
"DUTIES OF THE BOARD; COMPLAINT
REVIEW AND GENERAL DUTIES", REGARDING
IDENTIFICATION OF COMPLAINANT(S)
AND/OR POLICE OFFICER(S) IN THE BOARD'S
PUBLIC REPORT OF A SUSTAINED
COMPLAINT TO THE CITY COUNCIL.
WHEREAS, the ordinance establishing the
Police Citizens' Review Board allows the Board
to include the names of the complainant(s) and
police officer(s) in the Board's pubric report of a
sustained complaint to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to
provide a balancing test the Police Citizen's
Review Board must use to determine whether it
will identify the complainant(s) and/or police
officer(s) in its public report of a sustained
complaint to the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. Title 8, Chapter
8, entitled "Police Citizens' Review Board," of
the City Code be hereby amended as follows:
1. Title 8, Chapter 8, Section 7, Subparagraph
B, Subsection 3 is hereby amended by deleting
said subsection and substituting in lieu thereof
a new Title 8, Chapter 8, Section 7,
Subparagraph B, Subsection 3, as follows:
At the conclusion of the Board's review,
the Board shall issue a public report to the City
Council concerning the complaint investigation.
Such public report shall include detailed
findings of fact concerning the complaint,
together with a clearly articulated conclusion
which explains why and the extent to which
the complaint is "sustained" or "not
sustained". If the complaint is "not
sustained", the public report shall not include
Ordinance No. 99-3891
Page 2
the names of the complainant(s) or the police
officer(s). If the complaint is "sustained" the
Board may include the names of the
complainant(s) and/or the police officer(s) if it
determines that the public interest in such
disclosure outweighs the public harm and
privacy interests of the complainant(s) and/or
police officer(s). Said determination shall be
made in writing and shall state, in detail, the
Board's reasons for such determination, The
Board shall notify the person(s) whose name(s)
it intends to disclose, the City Attorney and the
Police Chief (or City Manager if the Police Chief
is the subject of the complaint), of its intent to
make such disclosure by confidential written
communication sent by regular mail or hand
delivery at least 10 working days prior to such
disclosure. In addition, the Board's public
reports shall not include any discipline or
personnel matters, although the Board may
comment generally as to whether the Board
believes discipline is appropriate without
commenting on the extent or form of the
discipline. A copy of this public report to the
City Council shall be given to the
complainant(s), the police officer(s), the Police
Chief and the City Manager.
SECTION II. REPEALER. All ordinances
and parts of ordinances in conflict with the
provisions of this Ordinance are hereby re-
pealed.
SECTION III. SEVERABILITY. If any
section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall
be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional,
such adjudication shall not affect the validity of
the Ordinance as a whole or any section,
provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or
unconstitutional.
SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This
Ordinance shall be in effect after its final pas-
sage, approval and publication, as provided by
law.
Ordinance No. 99-3891
Page 3
Passed and approved this 13thday of
July ,19 99 ·
ATTEST: ~
dITY'"CLERK ' '
A~,~ve d by
City Attorney's Office
Ordinance No. _99-3891
Page 4
It was moved by Norton and seconded by Vanderhoef that the
Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
X Champion
X Kubby
X Lehman
X Norton
X O'Donnell
X Thomberry
X Vanderhoef
First Consideration 6/15/99
Vote for passage: AYES: Norton, Thornberry, Vandet'hoef, Champion,.
Kubby, Lehman. NAYS: O'Donnell. ABSENT: None.
Second Consideration 6/29/99
Vote for passage: AYES: Lehman, Norton, Thornberry, Vanderhoef,
Champion, Kubby. NAYS: O'Donnell. ABSENT: None.
Date published 7/21/99
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
(Revised 7/27/99)
MEMBERS: PCRB Administrative Assistant
Leah Cohen, Chair Sandy Bauer
643 Scott Park Drive 207 Senior Center
iowa City IA 52240 Bus: 356-5413
Res: 354-0005 sandy_bauer~iowa-cit¥.org
Bus: 337-4703
Patricia Farrant PCRB Legal Counsel
1050 Woodlawn
Iowa City IA 52245 Catherine Pugh
Res: 337-2928 Englert Bldg.
Bus: 337-1409 P,O. Box2415
farrant@act.or§ Iowa City IA 52246
Bus: 351-5610
Paul Hoffey
35 Somerset Place
Iowa City IA 52240
Res: 339-8939
John Stratton
815 Wylde Green Road
Iowa City IA 52246
Res: 338-6109
Bus: 335-2499
John Watson
403 Elmridge Ave.
Iowa City IA 52245
Res: 337-9225
Bus: 337-4158
wat son.john(~_,mcleodusa.net