HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-2015 Citizens Police Review BoardMEMORANDUM
CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
DATE:
May 18, 2015
TO:
CPRB Members
FROM:
Kellie Tuttle
RE:
Board Packet for meeting on May 20, 2015
Enclosed please find the following documents for your review and comment at the next board meeting:
• Agenda for 05/20/15
• Minutes of the meeting on 04/07/15
• Minutes of the meeting on 04/28/15
• ICPD Memorandum (Quarterly Summary Report IAIR/CPRB, 1 st Quarter 2015)
• ICPD Department Memo #15-12 (February 2015 Use of Force Review)
• ICPD Use of Force Report — February 2015
• ICPD Department Memo #15-15 (March 2015 Use of Force Review)
• ICPD Use of Force Report — March 2015
• ICPD Department Memo #15-16 (April 2015 Use of Force Review)
• ICPD Use of Force Report —April 2015
Other resources available:
National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement
NACOLE provides information regarding civilian oversight in law enforcement nation wide. For more
information see: www.NACOLE.org
AGENDA
CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD
May 20, 2015 — 5:30 P.M.
HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM
410 E. Washington Street
ITEM NO. 1
CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL
ITEM NO. 3
CONSIDER MOTION ADOPTING CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR
AMENDED
• Minutes of the meeting on 04/07/15
• Minutes of the meeting on 04/28/15
• ICPD Memorandum (Quarterly Summary Report IAIR/CPRB, 1st Quarter 2015)
• ICPD Department Memo #15-12 (February 2015 Use of Force Review)
• ICPD Use of Force Report — February 2015
• ICPD Department Memo #15-15 (March 2015 Use of Force Review)
• ICPD Use of Force Report — March 2015
• ICPD Department Memo #15-16 (April 2015 Use of Force Review)
• ICPD Use of Force Report — April 2015
ITEM NO. 4
OLD BUSINESS
• Community Forum
ITEM NO. 5
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM NO. 6
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
ITEM NO. 7
BOARD INFORMATION
ITEM NO. 8
STAFF INFORMATION
ITEM NO. 9
CONSIDER MOTION TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION based on Section
21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required or
authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a
condition for that government body's possession or continued receipt of federal funds,
and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel records of public bodies
including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22-7(5)
police officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in
the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are
made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those communications
from such persons outside of government could reasonably believe that those persons
would be discouraged from making them to that government body if they were available
for general public examination.
ITEM NO. 10 MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS
• June 9, 2015, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• July 14, 2015, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• August 11, 2015, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• September 8, 2015, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
ITEM NO. 11 ADJOURNMENT
DRAFT
CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES — April 7, 2015
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Melissa Jensen called the meeting to order at 5:31 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Royceann Porter, Mazahir Salih (5:42PM), Joseph Treloar
MEMBERS ABSENT: Fidencio Martinez
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STAFF ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Sargent Chris Akers of the ICPD
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
(1) Accept CPRB Report on Complaint #14-11
PRESENTATION BY EQUITY DIRECTOR — Increasing Diversity on City Boards &
Commissions
Equity Director Bowers presented a PowerPoint. (PowerPoint is archived in the meeting
packet)
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Treloar, seconded by Martinez, to adopt the consent calendar as presented or
amended.
• Minutes of the meeting on 03/10/15
Motion carried, 4/0, Martinez absent.
OLD BUSINESS
Community Forum — Tuttle notified the Board that notices regarding the forum had been
posted and sent out. The first press release had been done and included in a City Council
packet. Extra copies of the notice were given to Board members to post. Jensen mentioned
that Jennifer Hemmingsen from the Gazette contacted her to do a guest editorial regarding the
forum. Tuttle informed the Board that the CPRB video would not be ready for the forum
because of the recommended name change. City Council was giving direction on the Charter
Review Commission's recommendations that night and they would not be finalized by the 28th.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None.
BOARD INFORMATION
None.
STAFF INFORMATION
None.
CPRB
April 7, 2015
Page 2
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Salih, seconded by Porter to adjourn into Executive Session based on Section
21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required or authorized by
state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for that
government body's possession or continued receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal
information in confidential personnel records of public bodies including but not limited to cities,
boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22-7(5) police officer investigative reports,
except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications
not required by law, rule or procedure that are made to a government body or to any of its
employees by identified persons outside of government, to the extent that the government
body receiving those communications from such persons outside of government could
reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to that
government body if they were available for general public examination.
Motion carried, 410, Martinez absent. Open session adjourned at 6:00 P.M,
(Salih left at 6:09 P.M.)
REGULAR SESSION
Returned to open session at 6:52 P.M.
Motion by Treloar, seconded by Porter, to forward the Public Report as amended for CPRB
Complaint #14-11 to City Council.
Motion carried, 3/0, Martinez and Salih absent.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS (subject to change)
• April 28, 2015, 6:00 PM, , IC Library, Room A, Community Forum
• May 12, 2015, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm (Moved to May 20th)
• June 9, 2015, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• July 14, 2015, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
Treloar stated she would be unavailable for the May 12th meeting. After discussion the Board
agreed to move the May 12th meeting to May 20th.
Motion by Porter, seconded by Treloar to move up the May 12th meeting to Tuesday, May 20th
Motion carried, 3/0, Martinez and Salih absent.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment by Treloar, seconded by Porter.
Motion carried, 3/0, Martinez and Salih absent.
Meeting adjourned at 7:09 P.M.
CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD
(Formerly Police Citizens Review Board)
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2014-2015
(Meeting Date)
TERM
5/13
5I19
6/11
8/26
9/15
10/13
11/10
11/25
12/3
12/8
1212
2/10
3I10
4/7
NAME
EXP.
9
Melissa
9/1/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Jensen
Donald
9/1/15
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
King
Joseph
9l1/17
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Treloar
Royceami
9/1/16
X
X
X
X
D
X
O
O
X
X
X
O
X
X
Porter
Mazahir
9/1/17
X
X
O/E
O
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
Salih
Maxime
9/1/15
---
---
---
X
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
Tremblay
Fidencio
9/1/15
---
---
---
---
-__
--_
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O
Martinez
KEY: X =
Present
O
= Absent
O/E =
Absent/Excused
NM =
No meeting
— =
Not a Member
CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
(319) 356-5041
April 7, 2015
a
To: City Council
Complainant
City Managerrn
a
rn
Sam Hargadine, Chief of Police
ram
Officer(s) involved in complaint
G'
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From: Citizen Police Review Board
Re: Investigation of CPRB Complaint #14-11
This is the Report of the Citizens Police Review Board's (the "Board") review of the
investigation of Complaint CPRB #14-11 (the "Complaint").
BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY
Under the City Code of the City of Iowa City, the Board's responsibilities are as follows:
1. The Board forwards all complaints to the Police Chief, who completes an investigation.
(Iowa City Code Section 8-8-7(A).)
2. When the Board receives the Police Chiefs report, the Board must select one or more of the
following levels of review, in accordance with Iowa City Code Section 8-8-7(B)(1):
a. On the record with no additional investigation.
b. Interview /meet with complainant.
c. Interview /meet with named officer(s) and other officers.
d. Request additional investigation by the police chief, or request police assistance in
the board's own investigation.
e. Perform its own investigation with the authority to subpoena witnesses.
f. Hire independent investigators.
3. In reviewing the Police Chiefs report, the Board must apply a "reasonable basis" standard of
review. This means that the Board must give deference to the Police Chiefs report, because
of the Police Chiefs professional expertise. (Iowa City Code Section 8-8-7(B)(2).)
4. According to Iowa City Code Section 8-8-7(B)(2), the Board can recommend that the Police
Chief reverse or modify the Chiefs findings only if:
a. The findings are not supported by substantial evidence; or
b. The findings are unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious; or
c. The findings are contrary to a police department policy or practice, or any federal,
state or local law.
5. When the Board has completed its review of the Police Chiefs report, the Board issues a
public report to the city council. The public report must include: (1) detailed findings of fact;
and (2) a clearly articulated conclusion explaining why and the extent to which the complaint
is either "sustained" or "not sustained ". (Iowa City Code Section 8-8-7(B)(3).)
6. Even if the Board finds that the complaint is sustained, the Board has no authority to
discipline the officer involved.
BOARD'S PROCEDURE
The Complaint was initiated by the Complainant on 12/31 /14. As required by Section
8-8-5(B) of the City Code, the Complaint was referred to the Chief of Police for investigation.
The Chief's Report was filed with the City Clerk on 02/25/15.
The Board voted on 03/10/15 to apply the following Level of Review to the Chiefs Report:
On the record with no additional investigation, pursuant to Iowa City Code Section 8-8-
(B)(1)(a).
The Board met to consider the Report on 03/10/15 and 04/07/15.
On 03/10/15, the Board reviewed audio and/or video recordings of the incident.
FINDINGS OF FACT
On October 3, 2014 police responded to investigate a motor vehicle accident involving
cement truck and a passenger car. These vehicles collided when the cement truck was
backing in to a construction site.
Allegation 1 — Officer failed to sufficiently investigate the motor vehicle collision as
directed by ICPD General Order 99-09, Section IV, Procedures.
Upon examination, the Citizen's Police Review Board
sufficiently investigate this motor vehicle collision
Section IV, Procedures. The officer interviewed
accident, and assessed vehicle damage.
Allegation 1: Not sustained
has determined that the offig_Gr did
as directed by ICPD Geneal OrTer 99-Q9,
both drivers, surveyed the eV thell
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Allegation 2 — Officer's determination that the Complainant was at fault in the accident
was incorrect and the traffic citation for following too closely should not have been
issued.
The Citizen's Police Review Board (CPRB) watched the videos of this incident and examined
all available evidence in this case.
The officer was heard on the video telling the complainant "When he started to back up you
were too close and he hit you." The officer is also heard to say "Why would you not try to go
backwards" to the complainant. These statements indicate that the officer believed the
complainant was stopped when she was hit and did not run into the truck, but the truck backed
into her vehicle.
The Board feels that the officer's determination that the complainant was at fault was incorrect
and took the following ordinance into consideration:
In the Iowa City Code, in Chapter 3: Rules of the Road, Section 9-3-9: GENERAL DRIVING
RESTRICTIONS, (D) states:
Moving Vehicle Backward On Highway: A person shall not cause a vehicle to be moved in a
backward direction on a highway unless and until the vehicle can be backed with reasonable
safety and shall yield the right of way to any approaching vehicle on the highway or
intersecting highway which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. (1978 Code §23-
127; amd. 1994 Code; Ord. 97-3788, 6-3-1997)
The CPRB determined that the above ordinance may more appropriately apply to this
situation.
Allegation 2: Sustained.
Allegation 3 - Officer did not listen to the Complainant's point of view in regard to how
the accident occurred.
The CPRB reviewed the video and the conversation and it was clear that the officer did listen
to the complainant's point of view in regard to how the accident occurred. The officer did not
agree with the complainant as to who was at fault, but he did listen to her views on the
incident. d
Allegation 3: Not sustained a
Allegation 4 - Officer's threat to take the Complainant to jail was inapapriaTe untt�er
these circumstances. M t �f
ca
The CPRB reviewed the video and the conversation and did not feel that A officer acted
inappropriately or threatened to take the Complainant to jail. It was evident that tfie
complainant did not seem to understand that by signing the citation, she was not pleading
guilty to the offense, but was just promising to appear in court. She seemed to be resistant to
signing the citation as she did not want to be admitting fault in this incident.
Allegation 4: Not sustained
Allegation 5 - Officer issued the Complainant a citation because she is not an
"American".
The CPRB reviewed the video and the conversation and did not feel that the officer indicated
in any way that he was biased against the complainant because she was not an "American".
The officer did make a statement that the driver of the truck had a right to use the highway.
However, the officer was expressing his belief the driver of the truck had the right of way at
that time.
This may have been why the complainant believed that the officer was inferring that the
complainant did not have a right to use the highway because she was not an "American". The
officer did not state, nor did he give the impression that he implied the complainant was
receiving the citation because she was not an "American".
Allegation 5: Not sustained
None.
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CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD
COMMUNITY FORUM
April 28, 2015, 6:00 P.M.
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
123 South Linn Street, IC
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Melissa Jensen called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Melissa Jensen, Royceann Porter, Fidencio Martinez,
Mazahir Salih
MEMBERS ABSENT: Joseph Treloar
STAFF PRESENT: Legal Counsel Patrick Ford and Staff Kellie Tuttle
(Transcriptions are available)
INTRODUCTION OF THE BOARD & BRIEF OVERVIEW.
CONSIDER MOTION TO ACCEPT CORRESPONDENCE AND/OR DOCUMENTS
None to accept.
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION The following individuals appeared before the CPRB:
Julie VanDyke
Fatimah Omar
Brianna Gore
Robert Smith
Adam Sullivan
Shawn Gerden
Heidi Kuchta
Harry Olmstead
Joseph Hall
Latisha McDaniel
Tessa Heeren
Annie Tucker
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:08 P.M.
3635 490" St SW, IC
423 Waterway Dr, IC
429 Southgate Ave, IC
1131 Maple St, IC
1819 Chelsea Ct, IC
Iowa City
1918 1 St, IC
1951 Hannah Jo Ct, IC
1826 G St, IC
Iowa City
327 N Johnson, IC
1425 Oaklawn, IC
(Forum Summary will be submitted to Council)
CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD
(Formerly Police Citizens Review Board)
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2014-2015
(Meeting Date)
TERM
5/19
6/11
8/26
9/15
10113
11/10
11/25
12/3
1218
12/21
2110
3110
4/7
4128
NAME
EXP.
Melissa
9/1/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Jensen
Donald
9/1/15
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
King
Joseph
9/1/17
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Treloar
Royceann
9/1/16
X
X
X
O
X
O
O
X
X
X
O
X
X
X
Porter
Mazahir
9/1/17
X
O/E
O
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
WE
X
X
Salih
Maxime
9/1/15
---
---
X
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
Tremblay
Fidencio
9/1/1-5
---
---
---
---
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O
X
Martinez
KEY: X =
Present
O =
Absent
O/E —
Absent/Excused
NM =
No meeting
--- =
Not a Member
Memorandum
TO: File
FROM: Captain Douglas S. Hart, Administrative Services
RE: Quarterly Summary Report IAIR/CPRB, Vt Quarter 2015
DATE: April 21, 2015
Attached you will find the IAIR/CPRB 2015 first quarter summary report for the Iowa
City Police Department Internal Affairs/Citizen's Police Review Board investigative file.
There were 8 investigations initiated in the first quarter of 2015. Of these, 6 originated
internally and 2 externally. The attached summary reflects the first quarter
investigations in 2015.
cc: CPRB
Chief Hargadine
Cpt. Jim Steffen
Sgt. David Droll
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DEPARTMENT MEMO #15-12
TO: Chief Hargadine
FROM: Captain Douglas S. Hart
RE: February 2015 Use of Force Review
DATE: April 6, 2015
c
The "Use of Force Review Committee" met on April 1, 2015. It was composed of Captain Hart,
Sgt. Droll and Officer Nixon.
For the review of submitted reports in February, 35 Officers were involved in 21 separate
incidents requiring use of force.
All issues or concerns were identified and addressed at previous levels of review. Of the
incidents reviewed for this period: on one occasion a Taser was deployed, on two occasions OC
was deployed, there were no SRT call outs where officers displayed assigned weapons, in six
other incidents multiple officers responded to calls where their firearm was displayed, one
animal was dispatched. Of the 21 incidents 3 suspects were injured and no Officers were injured
as a result.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Copy: City Manager, CPRB, Watch Commanders, Review Committee
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' IOWA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Use of Force Report,
February 2015
Officer
Date
Inc #
Incident
Force Used
98,10,
02/01
2015001058
Intoxicated
The subject was directed to the ground
41
Subject
after squaring up in a fighting stance with
the officer. OC spray was used as the
subject continued to resist arrest.
41
02/01
2015001091
Robbery
The officer displayed his sidearm at the
suspect prior to taking him into custody.
62
02/03
2015001187
Arrest Warrant
A compliance technique was used when
the subject tried to run away after being
informed he had an arrest warrant.
60
02/06
2015001264
Theft/Robbery
The suspect took off running during a
theft call. The suspect entered a garage
and hid. The officer displayed his
sidearm ordering the suspect out from
hiding.
8,87
02/05
2015001226
Search
Sidearms were displayed during the
,48,63,
Warrant
securing of a residence during a search
46
warrant.
94,68
02/06
2015001253
Intoxicated
After being told he was under arrest for
Subject
an arrest warrant, the subject pulled
away. Officers used a takedown method
to gain compliance.
52
02/07
2015001299
Burglary
A subject broke into a school. Upon
locating the subject, the officer displayed
his sidearm in a low ready position.
10,94
02/07
2015001325
Out with
Subject resisted after a foot chase. A
,36
Subject
takedown method and OC spray was
used to affect custody.
3,36
02/13
2015001518
Intoxicated
While doing a bar check, the subject
Subject
tried running away from officers. The
subject was taken to the ground with a
takedown technique.
19
02113
2015001543
Theft/Robbery
The suspect tried running and fleeing the
area whereupon the officer removed her
from an awaiting taxi.
55
2/14
2015001580
Fight In
Officers responded to a fight in progress
Progress
with a knife. This subject forced her way
past the officer and was placed against
the wall.
49
02/17
2015001692
Stolen Vehicle
Officer displayed his sidearm while
conducting a felony stop on a stolen
vehicle.
86,18,E
02/18
2015001725
Search
Sidearms were displayed during the
4,37,7,
Warrant
securing of a residence during a search
40,48,
warrant.
45,8
48,87,4
02/26
2015001727
Search
Sidearms were displayed during the
5,8,40,3
Warrant
securing of a residence during a search
7,46
warrant.
93,45,8,
02/18
2015001728
Search
Sidearms were displayed during the
48,9,5,
Warrant
securing of a residence during a search
41
warrant.
48,87,8,
02/18
2015001729
Search
Sidearms were displayed during the
37
Warrant
securing of a residence during a search
warrant.
8,64,37,
02/20
2015001822
Weapons
Officers displayed sidearms or patrol rifle
45,32,
Offense
while conducting a felony traffic stop on
48
an armed subject where a pistol was
located.
47
02/21
2015001842
Theft
Subject in custody for theft tried to stand
up and pull out of her cuffs. As the
subject resisted the officer held the
subject on the floor to re -adjust the
handcuffs to ensure proper security and
safety.
45
02/22
2015001874
Intoxicated
Officers were breaking up another fight
Subject
when the subject grabbed officers. The
subject was taken to the ground for
cuffing.
40,2,23,
2/27
2015002108
Fight In
Officers responded to a fight in progress
7
Progress
with a knife. A taser was used to assist
in taking two subjects into custody as
they continued assaultive behavior
towards bar staff and officers.
42
02/28
2015002130
Animal
The officer used his sidearm to dispatch
Dispatch
a sick raccoon.
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DEPARTMENT MEMO #15-15
TO: Chief Hargadine
FROM: Captain Douglas S. Hart
RE: March 2015 Use of Force Review
DATE: May 4, 2015
The "Use of Force Review Committee" met on April 29, 2015. It was composed of Captain
Hart, Sgt. Gaarde and Officer Hartman.
For the review of submitted reports in March, 34 Officers were involved in 25 separate incidents
requiring use of force.
All issues or concerns were identified and addressed at previous levels of review. Of the
incidents reviewed for this period: on 3 occasions a Taser was displayed, on 3 occasions OC was
deployed, there was 1 SRT call out where officers displayed assigned weapons, in 5 other
incidents multiple officers responded to calls where their firearm was displayed, one animal was
dispatched. Of the 25 incidents 2 suspects were injured and no Officers were injured as a result.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Copy: City Manager, CPRB, Watch Commanders, Review Committee
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IOWA CITY
Use of ForceReport
POLICEMarch 2015POLICE
Ofc #
Date
Inc #
Incident
Force Used
66,
03/01
2015002144
Fight In
Subject being placed under arrest
Progress
attempted to pull away. The subject pulled
away and came at the officer whereupon he
was directed to the ground.
67,68
1 03/01
20150/12144
Fight In
Subject refused to back away from officers
Progress
who were arresting another subject. A
compliance method was used to take
custody.
55,30
2015002144
Fight In
Subject attempted to pursue officers as they
103/01
Progress
arrested another subject. The subject was
pushed back and eventually taken into
custody.
35
03/01
2015002157
Search
After making entry on a search warrant, a
Warrant
subject left the area. The officer displayed
his sidearm.
87,8,
03/02
2015002164
Search
Sidearms were displayed during the
48,42,
Warrant
securing of a residence during a search
25
warrant.
11
03/03
2015002210
Fight In
Officer displayed his taser at a subject
_Progress
reported to be armed with a knife.
16,94,
03/06
2015002305
SRT Warrant
Rifles and sidearms were displayed during a
6,44,
Service
high risk warrant service
40,87,
97,91,
61,29,
59,48,
8,85
23,30
03/06
2015002321
Suicidal
Subject was suicidal and stated `lets go" as
Subject
he took a fighting stance. An arm bar and
takedown method was used to gain
compliance.
5,35
03/07
2015002355
Fight In
Subject kicked one officer after being
Progress
placed in the back of the squad car for
assault on a bar patron. Compliance
methods were need to secure th"uspect
in the back of the ad
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35,10
03/08
2015002366
OWI Arrest
Upon placing the subject under arrest for
OWI, he pulled away. OC spray and
compliance methods were used to
accommodate the custodial process.
37
03/12
2015002530
Warrant Arrest
The Officer displayed a sidearm when
taking a DOC escapee known to go armed
into custody.
66
03/13
2015002541
Fight In
Bar staff was holding a combative subject
Progress
down and continued to struggle with
officers. OC spray was used.
37
03/13
2015002568
Assault
The Officer displayed his taser at a subject
who was reported as being armed with a
dangerous weapon.
10
03114
2015002586
Intoxicated
Subject tried pulling away after being placed
Subject
under arrest. The officer directed the
subject hands behind her back for cuffing
66
03/15
2015002620
Domestic
Subject tried to reenter residence and had
to be pushed back.
11,3
03115
2015002621
Intoxicated
The subject tried kicking after being placed
Subject
under arrest. The subject was placed on
the ground and eventually secured to a
gumey to prevent him from kicking. A spit
hood was also used to prevent his repeated
attempts to s it at officers.
42
3118
2015002738
Fight In
The Officer displayed his sidearm at an
Progress
individual involved in a fight who was
reported to have been armed with a knife.
66
3/21
2015002840
Fight In
The subject was actively involved in a fight.
Progress
Upon trying to ID the person, she pulled
away several times. The subject was
directed to the ground and wrist lock was
used to affect custody.
64,57,
03/25
2015002957
Burglary
The subject was found breaking into an
35
apartment smashing items. To affect
custody pepper spray was used and a taser
was displayed. Takedown methods and
wrist locks were used on the combative
subject when he kicked and spit at officers.
57,43
03/25
2015002957
Burglary
The subject was smashing windows on a
vehicle. The subject tried intervening on the
above mentioned melee' and was taken into
custody by forcing her arm behind her back.
66
03/27
2015002995
Intoxicated
After being refused entry to the bar, the
Subject
patron was aggressive towards off. The
officer had to place the s ect' . ht arm
behind his back to a cuWd .
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11
03/27
2015003000
Weapons
The officer displayed his sidearm at a
Offense
subject who was reported as displaying a
pistol at another subject.
10,35
03/28
2015003089
Intoxicated
After being refused to enter a bar, the
Subject
subject was approached by officer
whereupon he took off running into another
officer.
49
03/30
2015003131
Animal
The officer used his sidearm to euthanize a
Dispatch
wounded deer from a vehicle collision.
87,45,
03/31
2015003181
Search
Sidearms were displayed during the
8,48
Warrant
securing of a residence during a search
,61,38
warrant.
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DEPARTMENT MEMO #15-16
TO:
Chief Hargadine
FROM:
Captain Douglas S. Hart
RE:
April 2015 Use of Force Review
DATE:
May 15, 2015
The "Use of Force Review Committee" met on May 13, 2015. It was composed of Captain Hail,
Sgt. Gaarde and Officer Humrichouse.
For the review of submitted reports in April, 25 Officers were involved in 24 separate incidents
requiring use of force.
All issues or concerns were identified and addressed at previous levels of review. Of the
incidents reviewed for this period: on 1 occasion a Taser was displayed, on 7 occasions a Taser
was deployed, on 1 occasion OC was deployed, there was no SRT calls, in 5 other incidents
officers responded to calls where their firearm was displayed, no animals were dispatched. Of
the 24 incidents 4 suspects and 1 Officer were injured as a result.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Copy: City Manager, CPRB, Watch Commanders, Review Committee
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IOWA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Use of Force Report
April 2015
IOSUA CITY
POLICE
Ofc #
Date
Inc #
Incident
Force Used
3
4/4
2015003362
Fight In
The suspect was actively involved in a fight
Progress
with another and throwing punches. The
officer displayed his taser.
37
4/5
2015003415
Domestic
The officer displayed his sidearm at a
person in violation of a no -contact order and
another domestic assault on a traffic stop.
37
4/6
2015003446
Armed Subject
The Officer displayed his sidearm at a
subject armed with a rifle.
37
4/6
2015003448
Owl Arrest
The subject was placed under arrest for
Owl and refused compliance with verbal
commands. The subject had to be
manually placed in the back of the squad
car.
7,68
4/6
2015003450
Domestic
One officer displayed a sidearm when
entering the apartment of a subject reported
to be armed with a bow and arrow. The
other officer displayed his patrol rifle.
15,65,
4/7
2015003473
Assault on A
The Officer while investigating an assault
61,97,
Peace Officer
made contact with the subject. The subject
17,40,
immediately grabbed hold of the officer and
62,35,
said "give me your gun" The subject was
63
taken into custody with the use of a taser,
takedown method, and wrist locks.
37
4/9
2015003531
OWI
The subject had to be removed from the
vehicle by usage of a wrist lock.
49
4/10
2015003560
Suicidal
The subject was placed on the ground after
Subject
tensing up and attempting to pull away.
24
4/10
2015003585
Fight In
The subject was being detained for a fight
Progress
and took off running. Takedown methods
and compliance techniques were used after
a foot -chase and the subject continued to
try to pull away.
62
4/10
2015003585
Fight In
The subject was being detained fgg a fight
Progress
and took off running. Tak"own Methods
and compliance techniqueC fed al"
a foot -chase and the subjJ on i- ued-te-
t to pull a oD ("
a fTi
an
c;'a 1
30,66
4/12
2015003630
Bar Check
The subject tried pulling away after being
placed under arrest. The subject was taken
to the ground with a leg sweep and his
hands physically placed behind his back for
cuffing.
67,86
4/14
2015003727
Traffic Stop
The subject had to be removed from the
vehicle for arrest by pulling. Wrist locks
were used to affect the cuffing.
30
4/16
2015003872
Fight In
The Officer had to break up a fight between
Progress
two subjects. One subject decided to then
fight with the Officer whereupon he was
directed to the ground with a takedown
method.
3
4/16
2015003872
Assault on a
One of the fighting subjects in the above
Peace Officer
mentioned incident started assaulting the
above mentioned officer. A different Officer
removed this subject whereupon the subject
then assumed an assaultive/fighting stance
at which point a taser was used.
68
4/17
2015003928
Domestic
The officer responded to a domestic abuse
call where he had to force the door open.
He was met with by a german shepherd and
displayed his sidearm.
18
4/18
2015003990
Fight In
Subject was fighting with security. The
Progress
subject grabbed onto the officer and
refused to release. The officer delivered
and strike to the chest of the subject. The
subject refused to walk so he had to be
carried to his vehicle.
94
4/19
2015004028
Disturbance
The Officer used a wrist lock to take a
subject into custody who attempted to flee
from officers after being told he was being
laced under arrest.
41,10
4/19
2015004032
Fight In
The female subject was observed striking
Progress
two subject. After a brief foot pursuit , the
suspect had to be held against the police
car for cuffing ur ose,%
94,68
4/19
2015004035
Assault
The suspect was thro g bo s at an
ambulance. Officers )to zmrry t1
suspect to the patrol Altcle-M�d the' ..
suspect refused to coopeg igicerfMer
had to assist hospital restrain
suspect as he began assayg Wie h9tyjal
'aa
securit co
46
4/19
2015004041
Stolen Vehicle
The officer attempted to perform a traffic
stop on a stolen vehicle. The vehicle took
off at a high rate of speed and the Officer
gave pursuit for a short while before ceasing
pursuit due to the high rate of speed. The
suspect was later taken into custody by
another agency.
41,
4/20
2015004073
Fight In
The Officer tried pulling the subject off of
Progress
another subject and had to direct him to the
round.
36,67
4/20
2015004073
Fight In
The subject fighting with the above
Progress
mentioned subject continued struggling and
had to have his hands placed behind his
back. The subject later refused to exit the
squad car and had to be carried into the 'ail.
68
4/24
2015004236
Traffic Stop
The driver was being placed under arrest
and attempted to pull away. After several
verbal commands to comply, the driver
continued to resist whereupon he was taken
to the ground with a take -down technique.
24,10
4/26
2015004309
Fight In
The subject was being placed under arrest
Progress
for fighting and attempted to pull away. As
the subject continued to pull away he was
sprayed with pepper spray and a wrist lock
was used.
41
4/26
2015004312
Fight In
The Officer had to remove one subject from
Progress
another who was actively engaged in
fisticuffs. The subject was then cuffed and
refused to walk to the squad car. The
Officer had to carry the subject to the
squad.
60,47
4/30
2015004485
Disturbance/
The Officers had to assist in holding a
Fight in
subject's hand behind his back after he
Progress
became aggressive towards school staff.
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May 20", 2015
Iowa City City Council
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington St
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Citizen Police Review Board Annual Community Forum
The Iowa City Citizen Police Review Board (CPRB) held the annual Community Forum, Tuesday, April 28,
2015 at 6:00 p.m. Members at the forum were Melissa Jensen (Chair), Royceann Porter, Mazahir Salih,
and Fidencio Martinez. Legal counsel Pat Ford was also present. Joe Treloar (Vice Chair) was absent.
The forum opened with a roll call vote and an introduction of members. No correspondence was
received for the forum. Jensen shared there was information was available in the back of the room
including brochures, both in English and Spanish, as well as complaint forms. There was a brief overview
of the CPRB given, along with an update on the video soon to be available.
Following the above, Jensen opened up the forum for public discussion.
Julie VanDyke, Iowa City addressed the forum commenting about being thankful to live in the Iowa City
community. She thanked the Board for the work the Board does and commented on what she believes
is the openness of the Police Department to examination.
Fatima Omar, Iowa City talked about being a business management student with an interest in
sociology. She shared her concerns about what she says is a racial disproportionality when it comes to
non -traffic arrests. Ms. Omar said she grew up in Iowa City and although many people believe the
community is diverse and liberal, it's more than University demographics. Ms. Omar said she believes
people are hesitant or experience discomfort when it comes to discussing racial issues in the
community. She says she wants to raise a family here and hopes that one day the community is as
diverse as we say it is.
Brianna Gore, Iowa City then spoke about being raised in Iowa City and going to school here. She said
growing up, her family lived in a predominately white neighborhood. Her father would get pulled over
and treated differently than other people. Ms. Gore said she believes this is an example of racial
profiling which is high in Iowa City. She shared other concerns about people being treated differently
because of the color of their skin. Ms. Gore said she does not want her son to feel like he has to dress or
act differently to be accepted by the police.
Robert Smith, Iowa City was the next to address the Board. He said when he moved to Iowa City he was
one of the only African Americans in his classroom. This gradually changed, however he believes the
police see African Americans as a threat, and that racial disparity is blatant. He also spoke to being
concerned when riding around with his American American friends as he believed there is a higher
chance of getting pulled over for no reason. He also expressed concerns about racial disparity marijuana
prosecutions.
Adam Sullivan, Iowa City expressed concerns aboutthe use of military equipment. He gave examples of
Johnson County's MRAP, which he believes Iowa City may use because they are part of the Johnson
County Drug Task Force. He also expressed concerns about Iowa City Police Department use of SWAT
equipment and used an analogy to events in Baltimore. Mr. Sullivan said he doesn't belief the
equipment should be used unless there's an active shooter or a bomb threat. He also said he believes
the Board should be more powerful. (ICPD Comment?)
Shawn Gerden, Iowa City talked about concerns with the use of body cameras, and what the policy
might be about how the cameras are used and how officers will be disciplined who don't use cameras
correctly. Mr. Gerden also talked about penalties for officers who try and discourage people from
recording with their own cell phone. (ICPD Comment?)
Heidi Kuchata, Iowa City then spoke about the complaint process and why the police chief having
authority over the investigation. She expressed concerns about a statement in the brochure regarding
people knowingly providing false information to law enforcement possibly being prosecuted. (CPRB
Comment?)
Harry Olmstead shared he believes we're ignoring human slave trade that is taken place on Interstate
go, and recommended the CPRB work with the Human Right Commission to do an educational program.
(CPRB Comment?)
Joseph Hall spoke about the St. Ambrose study regarding the disproportionality in police stops and
police arrests. He stated there is racial bias but also what he believes are financial incentives for the
seizing of property. He suggested adding staff or a consultant to the CPRB to look into the abuse of
people's right. (CPRB Comment?)
Laticia McDaniel also asked about the Board's having no power or authority or criminal matters or police
discipline and said she was concerned about what the Board does. She said the Board needs to be given
more power to deal with abuse. (CPRB Comment?)
Tessa Heeren asked about what the video was, and then shared the police department was not
infallible. She also expressed concerns about the lack of diversity on the police department. She
suggested people would be more comfortable if they knew what their rights were and wanted the police
department to do more rights presentations, not just on request. (ICPD Comment?)
Annie Tucker asked that officers be out in the community more and mentioned the board in other cities
are more independent. She commented on the use of body cameras. Ms. Tucker also commented that
officers need to know what kind of behavior the Iowa City community wants, and that officers to be
respectful. (ICPD Comment?)
At the conclusion of comments from the public, the Board thanked the audience for their input. Jensen
called for the meeting to be adjourned.
Melissa Jensen
Chair
Citizen Police Review Board
Ica &u.Iecl e f e S/2o
April 28, 2015 Citizens Police Review Board Annual Community Fonun Page I
Board Members Present: Melissa Jensen (Chair), Royceann Porter, Mazahir Salih, Fidencio
Martinez
Board Members Absent: Joseph Treloar
Staff Present: Pat Ford (legal counsel)
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL:
Jensen/ Okay, if we could go ahead and like to call the meeting to order. Um, first off I gotta do
roll call. So...Joe Treloar is our Vice Chair and be's absent. Fidencio Martinez.
Martinez/ Present.
Jensen/ Royceaim Porter.
Porter/ Present.
Jensen/ Mazahir Salih.
Salih/ Here.
Jensen/ And Pat Ford.
Ford/ I'm here as well.
Jensen/ Thank you very much!
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD & BRIEF OVERVIEW:
Jensen/ Okay, um, just a really quick overview for the folks in attendance. Sorry about that!
Have to remember to speak into the microphone. Um, we're going to do just a quick
introduction of the Board Members. So ... if you don't know some of the Members, you
can learn who they are and ... if ... if we would, uh, as we share the information, how long
we've been on the Board just for... for everybody's information, and then if there's
anything else I'd like to share. So ... Royceamr, if you want to start!
Porter/ My name is Royceann Porter and I've been on the Board since March of 2010.
Jensen/ Okay, and I'm Melissa Jensen. I'm the Chair of the CPRB and I've been on since...
November of 2010. Uh, .Toe Treloar, our Vice Chair, has been on since ... I believe 2009.
Saliah/ Mazahir Salih, I'm on the Board for two years now.
Martinez/ My name is Fidencio Martinez and Fve been on the Board for about five months.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Citizens Police Review
Board Annual Community Forurn of April 28, 2015,
April 28, 2015 Citizens Police Review Board Annual Community Forum Page 2
Ford/ My name is Pat Ford. I am not a Board Member. I am the legal counsel for the Board.
I'm an attorney here in Iowa City and I've been, uh, in that capacity about a year.
CONSIDER MOTION TO ACCEPT CORRESPONDENCE AND/OR DOCUMENTS:
Jensen/ Okay! Um, Item 43 on the agenda tonight is ... uh, considering a motion to accept
correspondence and/or documents. We received no correspondence, so there is nothing
to accept. So we'll move on to ... urn, just a ... Fd like to do just a quick overview. If
you've heard this before bear with me, um, but I feel .... I'd be remiss if I didn't share the
information. A couple of things on the table, the back table, there are, um, brochures
about the CPRB. They are both in English and in Spanish. It ... just kind of an overview,
talks about the process. There's also some other information that lists things like the City
web site, um, and other resources, places you can get information, and then there are
fonns for the complaint process, so that you can see how that works, as well. Um, so
those are back there. Feel free to pick those up, um, and read through those. Um, quick
overview. The Board was, uh, originally formed in 1990, and... couple things kind of
interesting— it was originally named the Police Citizen Review Board, and a couple of
years ago that was changed, based on feedback from the community, to the Citizen Police
Review Board. Most recently, um, upon recommendation from the Charter Review
Commission, there was a suggestion to Council to ... change the name again, but, uh, I
think a ... a great change, but to change it to the Community Police Review Board. So
again, keeping more that community rather than citizen, and using that language. That
does have to go through three readings at Council, if I ... if I'm correct, and so that change
has not been made yet, but you will probably see that coming down the road. Um, there
are five of us Board Members and ... as Pat mentioned, we do ... he is our legal counsel.
Um, he is legal counsel to the Board and doesn't work for the City. Urn ... and again, the
information in the back kind of explains what we do. Um, and how things work. So...
hopefully that information is helpful. Um, just this past year, we did, ub... one thing 1
want to mention and I was hoping that this would be finished by now, but we're very,
very close to finis... finishing a short educational video that, um, will be on City Cable
Channel. It will be possibly used some other places, and so that's really close to being
done. We had it pretty much finished, made some modifications, and that should be done
here shortly. Uni... and then information, um, about... complaints and information that...
about reports that we do, um, that come through. That information is all available on the
different complaints that are filed. The ... the final reports on those are available on the
City web site. So, you can go there, and again, that ... that web site is listed on the
document in the back of the room. So you can go there and you can look at those, that
information on ... the variety of those complaints. Those are the reports that go to
Council. You can see that. So, urn ... other than that, um, let's move on, if we would, to
Item 44, that's public discussion and a couple of things about that. We are being
recorded, obviously, and that's so it will be, um, this will be available on —the City
Chalmel at a later date. Um, if you come up to the microphone, we ask that you please
sign in and then introduce yourself. Let us ... use the microphone, let us know who you
are, and then I would ask, um, that you be respectful of others that are here tonight, so try
to limit, um, your ... your comments to five minutes, and then once everybody's had a
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Citizens Police Review
Board Annual Community Forum of April 28, 2015.
April 28, 2015 Citizens Police Review Board Annual Community Forum Page 3
chance to speak that wants to, if you have something additional you'd like to share, you
can get back up. Absolutely! And we'll stay as long as we need to, um, you know, to
make sure we get through everything. So, if that sounds fair, why don't we go ahead and
open it up to public discussion!
PUBLIC DISCUSSION CITIZENS POLICE REVIEW BOARD:
VanDyke/ It's a really difficult time right now for everybody and I'm thankful I live in Iowa
City. More thankful than ... I am, or not in Iowa City, but in the Iowa City community,
and I'm rather thankful for it more ... more so than I have in the past. Um, I'm much
older than I often act and ... I'm turning 50 next year and I grew up with Eric Shaw, um,
knew him very, very well. Um ... Professor Goertz, who was killed by Gang Lu, was the
father of a, um, two of my friends that I went to high school. I went to high school here,
and over these years that I have lived here, gone to San Francisco for nine years and
come back, I have seen a significant change in culture here. And I'm really appreciative
for the work that you guys do and for what you've done and what you've opened up,
because you've opened up a lot of that change and you've helped affect that culture.
Cultural change here, which is, you know, always... needs to be ... you know, fine-tuned
and worked on, and it's not something that ends. It's ... it's a ... it is a community
engagement and ... and ... and the work that you guys have done has been really, really
important. Um, but I'm also really, really happy.
Jensen/ Ma'am, if I could (both talking) I apologize!
VanDyke/ Julie VanDyke, 3635 4901h Street SW. I won't usually do that for the School Board
cause I get stalked! But... (both talking)
Jensen/ Thank you for sharing that! I forgot, I should have (both talking) apologize for
interrupting you.
VanDyke/ My bad! I'm out of my element as you all may well know, but um, I just, you know,
I'm very upset about the things that are happening in the world and in this country, and I
foresee a very dangerous summer for a great many people across the United States, and
I'm fearful of it, but I'm thankful for the culture that you guys have helped affect change
to here, because I've seen change here, and I'm thankful for the...the... the changes that
Hargadine has affected here, and I've seen, you know, I've lived through what, three,
four different police chiefs here? And ... um, what I've seen is openness to. ..self-
examination of the Department that I don't think we see in very many other police
departments in this country right now. Um, and...and um ... and you guys have helped
with those things. I ... Pve seen ... a very different relationship with the Iowa City Police,
um, and the community. I've seen the entire shift show up to the Homeless Children's
Trust, and I'm really proud of them for doing that, and I've seen so many officers show
up to the Martin Luther King celebration at Grant Wood, and that was on their own time.
You know, we can't even get our School District to recognize the holiday or talk about it,
but they all showed up there and they respected the community and they respect other
communities as well, and I appreciate this, and I appreciate this as we go into a summer
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Citizens Police Review
Board Annual Community Forum of April 28, 2015.
April 28, 2015 Citizens Police Review Board Annual Community Forum Page 4
that I think is going to be very dangerous, and I would actually say that the relationship
that you guys have s... have worked on with them and the changes that you've all
contributed to are actually an example to other communities throughout the country,
because we have a police department here that actually works in the community and
wants to make positive change, and yet they make mistakes. We make mistakes, but...
but they're actually looking at them and doing things, and you guys helped do that, and I
appreciate that. Um, I look at our ... our police and we were some of the first to have
body cameras on there, instead of fighting it! You know, and that protects everybody —
them and the people that they pull over. It protects everybody! And, um, you know...
(sighs) I just...I see increased cultural competency and a willingness to look at that. I see
what's happened with the report that, as I understand it, Hargadine actually went after,
the study that was done, that actually showed where there were officers that had issues
that were not in -line with what our community wants, and my perception is that those
issues are now being addressed because of that, and a lot of police departments and a lot
of police chiefs (laughs) wouldn't have gone after that study, and they sure as hell
wouldn't have released it when it showed something that wasn't perfect, or they would
have spun it, and they didn't! They got it out there and they took responsibility. And
know that after what I've watched happen over the last year and two years, in ... in other
communities that when I've seen re... some recent issues that were, um, in the... in the
media, such as the man who was pulled over, and I won't, you know, say names or
anything like that, but the man who was pulled over who had a ... a wea... who was drunk
driving and had a weapon in his sweatshirt. I look at that and I read that and I'm like, Oh
my god! We are so lucky because nobody got hurt! That was actually handled so
beautifully here that he didn't get shot and the officer didn't get shot, and I'm just really
thankful for all of this and I'm thankful for the work you do, and please continue, and
please continue to, you know, examine. It ... it is on -going, but urn ... I thank you and I
thank the Iowa City Police Department for ... for actually examining the cultural
relationships between the police department and the variety of communities that we have
in... within our community, and that you are all open to that and working at it, instead of
just getting defensive and, um, digging in. So, I appreciate that, and I appreciate the
officers here who, urn... who... are the kind of officers that I want to see on the street, and
I have to say, I have sympathy for many, many different factions in what's happening
around us right now, and I of ... also have sympathy for them because...just because they
have the uniform on, they end up becoming a target for the rage that we're not able
to...to...to deal with, um, and urn ... I appreciate them sticking it out in that and I
appreciate the officers that ... that show up at the Homeless Children's Trust and Martin
Luther King Day celebration that I was at, because ... um ... they're setting an example and
they're setting an example for other people with on ... within the police force here, but
also for other police departments, and thank you for engaging with them and allowing
them to do that too and encouraging it, because it helps them do it, and I think we
actually set a really pretty dam good example here to other communities throughout the
United States, and definitely throughout Iowa, and thank you so much for all that you do!
Jensen/ Thank you.
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Omar/ Hello, my name's Fatimah (can't hear) Omar and I'm from Iowa City, Iowa. Um, I'm a
sophomore in college. I'm a business management student and I'll be going to Iowa in
the fall and I've always had a huge interest in socio... um. in societal issues and the
whole, um, socio ... sociological aspect, and um, i would like to start off with this quote.
The hottest place in hell is reserved for those who remain neutral during a crisis. This
quote is originally from Italian poet, Dante Alighieri but was used a lot by President, um,
John F. Kennedy. I'm here because I would like to talk about the racial dis...
disproportionality when it comes to non -traffic arrests. Between 2009 and 2011, Johnson
County prisons held an average of 40% or more African American inmates when they
only make up 28% of the residents here in Johnson County. Not only is this a local issue
or a national issue, but ... it's also a global issue. Take Australia, for example. The
majority of people there are white and are from Irish or English descendants, but their
prisoners are most ... their prisons are mostly filled with Australian natives, the
Aborigines, and Asians, such as Filipinos, Indians, and Laotians. Most African
Americans and Latinos 1 know... here, um, said they have had an experience where they
have felt that they were racially profiled by an Iowa City police, or know someone who
has been, and ... not saying all Iowa City police are bias. Um, Iowa City police... um,
some Iowa City police need to do a better job of practicing equitable policing proc...
procedurals and practices. There needs to be a stop on Fourth Amendment violations and
unnecessary strip searches when it comes to African Americans and Latinos. Growing up
here my whole life, 1 have heard many boast about how diverse and liberal this
community is. But, diversity is more than just University racial demographics or
diversity banquets where you get to sample different cultural foods. Many people here
focus a lot on animal rights, woman's rights, and friendly environmental practices, but
are hesitant or at a discomfort... discomfort when it comes to racial issues here in this
community, such as ... unequitable policing and racial dis... and racial disproportionality
and crime. The only time people are... interested in black issues or other minority issues
or saving a black, uh, life is when it comes to breeding good athletes or entertainers. 1
just hope one day our community will be as diverse as we say it is, because I want to
settle down here after 1 graduate from college and raise a family here in Iowa City, and...
1 don't want my future children or grandchildren to be racially profiled. I know we can
make a change in this community and we can start with the Iowa City police, because if
we don't strive for soc... for social change then this just might ... this might be the next
Ferguson and we might have some future Trayvon Martins or Eric Garners. Thank you.
(applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
Gore/ Hi (clears throat) Excuse me! Have kind of a sore throat. My name's Brianna Gore. I've
been in Iowa City since 1 was one years old. You know, basically born and raised here in
Iowa. Whoohoo, Hawkeyes! (laughter) Um, I've been going to Grant Wood
Elementary School ... I went to Grant Wood Elementary School, Southeast Junior High,
and City High, been growing up here. At first, I didn't really see a lot of...a lot of people
of my race, you know, when I was younger. So, it was kind of hard like to find out who
you really are if you don't have like alot of culture here, you know. And...growing up,
it was kind of difficult for our family because we lived in a predominantly white
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neighborhood and 1 got told even... when the black people i would see at school, like oh,
you talk white! Or you talk this certain way, you know, 1 wasn't black enough. So, it
kind of affected me. When I got older, I started to realize a lot of people in our
communities when a lot of ... a race would start to move in, like near Broadway and all
those places, I noticed the police was patrolling really well over there and just waiting for
something to happen, and it's mighty funny like how even my dad, I mean, no...no bad...
he has a really good driver's record and everything, but he stop... he's stopped by the
police and he's immediately asked, `Can we see your license, registration, insurance,'
quickly, without even ... and he's wondering like, `Why did 1 get pulled over?' and `Oh,
your taillight is out,' you know, little excuses, and asking, 'Sir, can you step out of the
vehicle,' you know, asking small things that's unnecessary and...I was looking, I'm like,
okay that's kinda awkward like for my dad to be stopped. So ... I'm riding along with a
couple of my friends and I and yes they were speeding and they get stopped by the police
and...l was, and they're predominantly white, and —when they get stopped, it's a whole
different attitude when they're approached, and I feel ... and it ... and the police officer
basically stopped 'em over like, `Oh, could you slow down,' and `have a nice day.' They
didn't ask `era to get out the car or check `em or anything. I feel like ... I mean, just even
from that small example, racial profiling, it's really high here and when we talk about
culture, what culture are you talking about? We're not talking about Africa. We're not
talking about where —we're originated from. We're not talking about basically that we
were kings and queens and... for someone to even say that, `Oh, the police department,
they came to, oh, Martin Luther King Day at school.' How many times are we going to
preach about Martin Luther King when we need to learn about Marcus Garvey and all the
other political figures that were from Africa, you know, and also with the police
department, it seems like when they... coming to like Taylor Drive and Broadway
neighborhoods, they're always searching for a prom —problem, like in the summer of
August 2013, like there was even some guys like just sitting out on the front porch of the
Broadway Neighborhood Apartments, just sitting out there and they were predominantly
black, sitting out there and the police came over and was harassing them right away. And
I'm just wondering, why? Like ... and they're saying they're loitering. How are they
loitering when they live there? You know, little small things like this, and ... (mumbled)
I'm 19 and I'm noticing this. You know? I have a son. I want my son to at least, you
know. look around where ... to where he doesn't have to feel like he has to dress
differently or act a whole different way just to be accepted by the police. I feel like we
should do. -I feel like the police department should do a lot better, a whole better job
than j ust to look at the color of your skin and stop them right away, because ....what I'm
seeing is basically... racial profiling and you can tell us to, `Oh be quiet,' or `We're fine.'
You know, you can throw me the statistics but from what my people, what we're seeing,
is we're being racially profiled and I feel like a huge change should be done in our
community and stuff. And I don't want to hear anything about culture... cultural things
because barely anybody knew the (mumbled) place in the middle of April... of this year,
barely anybody knew that! So...l don't know what else to say but I feel like there's more
work need to be done with the Iowa City Police Department, and also the Coralville
Department. Thank you.
Jensen/ Thank you (applause)
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Smith/ Hello, I'm Robert Smith. Um ... Iowa City resident since 2000 and, or 1998. Pretty
much —she touched on a lot of points that I would like to address. Um, racial profiling
has become a bigger issue. When I first moved here I was one of the only African
American kids in my classroom. Once I got to high school I started to notice that there
were a lot more African Americans in our classroom. It got to a point where ... the
African Americans in our classroom were doing things that were... making it hard for
other white students to attend classes or whatever it may be, and it became very apparent
that they were scared. i think ... the Iowa City Police Department sees African Americans
as a threat —to the society. Racial disparity is ... it's blatant, it's in our face. I don't like
to ride around with my African American friends because I feel like I'm at a higher
chance of getting pulled over for no reason. I'm not a troublemaker. I was an athlete...
my entire career in high school. It kind of pains me to see ... that a community as, that's
supposed to be so liberal ... when I first moved here, I. ..1, it was actually great, but now to
a point where... it's hard to ... ifshard to look at. Um ... thank you. Um ... African
Americans, I think, make up about 25% of our population, yet we are over eight times
more likely to be ... prosecuted for marijuana when in all actuality, African Americans
and Caucasians use marijuana at the ... pretty much the same rate. Uh... the ... the
discrepancy in that pretty much proves our point, that there is racial profiling going on,
there is ... the war on drugs is ... is affecting lives in communities as small as Iowa City. I
think that's all I'd like to touch on. Thank you. (applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
Sullivan/ Hello. My name is Adam Sullivan. I've lived here in Johnson County for 25 years.
Uh, and I live on the east side of Iowa City right now. Um, I came to this event last year,
uh, and I told you I was worried (noise on mic) Excuse me! I'm breaking stuff over
here! Uh, I told you I was worried about, uh, all of the military equipment that's coming
back from Iraq and Afghanistan and it's ending up in police departments all across the
country. I come here tonight a year later to tell you that it's worse than it was a year ago.
Um, in the past year we found out that the Johnson County Sheriff s Department, um, has
a big old tank. They call it an MRAP, um, but it is a war machine built for desert
warfare. Uh, I understand that's a different jurisdiction than yours — that's the County
and this is the City, but as you know, the Iowa City Police Department, uh, does
participate in the Johnson County Drug Task Force, uh, which that vehicle will
presumably be used for. Uh, the Iowa City Police Department, uh, for its own piece, has
a full SWAT team, full SWAT equipment. They have ballistic coverings. They have
tactical weapons. They even have chemical munitions — they have tear gas that they
could throw at citizens if they wanted to. I think we've all seen in the past few days the
scenes from Baltimore. Um, what I've seen has been very scary. Uh, you see full
military style officers, decked out with their shields and their weapons, standing apart
from, uh, almost entirely unarmed people. In fact, all unarmed people. I don't think that
should happen anywhere in the country and I definitely don't think it should be
happening, uh, here in Johnson County, uh, and I'm worried that it could. Um, right now
the police department has a wide range of, uh, reasons they can call in their, what they
call the `special response team,' their milis...military style officers. I think we need a
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policy that says unless there's an active shooter or a bomb threat, that we're... we're
going to leave the MRAP in the garage. We're going to leave our semi-auta... automatic
weapons at the shop. And so I'd like to see your Board, as well as the rest of the
community, come together and, um, get the City Council to take a serious look at what
rules we need in place to govern the military style equipment that we have. Thank you.
Jensen/ (applause) Thank you.
Gerden/ Hi, I'm Shawn Gerden. I've been part of this community since I, uh, started
kindergarten at Roosevelt Elementary in 1995. (clears throat) And, um...I wanted to talk
to you guys today about the body camera program that is in place and is being ramped up
and implemented. Urn ... you know, I think one thing that we saw with Eric Garner was
that, uh, the police choked a gay to death while they were on camera. While other people
were holding the camera. Uh, we've heard a lot of accounts of officers are, uh, just
turning their cameras off. In fact there was an officer that was indicted in a different part
of the country for continually having his camera off, uh, when confrontations happened.
Jensen/ If you would just speak a little more directly into the microphone.
Gerden/ Thank you very much!
Jensen/ Thank you.
Gerden/ So ... um, with the body, uh, camera program that we have... urn, what 1, you know, what
I'm looking at is that Eric Gardner was killed on camera. Other officers have been
caught not turning their cameras on, or turning them off. Uh, our cameras are going to be
officer controlled, and so, um ... you know. I think we definitely need, uh, guidelines for
what the appropriate way to use these is and how the information is disseminated. Uh, on
one hand if they're going into a private home, uh, for a medical call, I don't think we'd...
we necessarily want a ... curious parties or the media to be able to see the interior of
someone's home. On the other hand, uh, when there's a public controversy, I don't think
we want them to be able to sit on that ... I don't think we want them to be able to sit on the
footage, uh, and say, `It's an active investigation,' and just sit on it for a year or two
years, until the point where the outrage has died down, and so i think what we really need
are, uh, some of these policies looking at, uh, the militarization, looking at the way raids
are used, looking at civil (mumbled), uh, and marijuana policy, and we need real
substantive changes because I don't think these body cameras are going to be, um, a
silver bullet by any means the way that, uh, they've been penp...portrayed and people
were very excited about (clears throat) uh, very excited about `ern. So I guess the —the
three specific questions that I have, uh, that I would hope you would choose to address,
or else I'm just sort of here just talking for no reason, uh, what I'd —what I'd like to
know is ... what should we do if, uh, we have a police officer who's continually not using
his body camera? What should the punishment be for that? Urn ... you know, what would
we ... what we do in that case, and I ... and 1 guess 1 have... and I guess I have another
question, which is, um ... we saw the Walter Scott shooting in South Carolina, where we
got a panoramic view of a police officer chasing after a guy and gunning him down,
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shooting him eight times in the back as lie ran at a full sprint. Um, and so you have the...
you have the photographer for, uh, Eric Gardner, lie actually is in jail right now. He's in
jail and has been in jail, uh, but it seems often that these, uh, these police abuses, um...
are best portrayed when it's done with a private citizen cell phone. So the first —the first
question is, and it's only two, is ... what do we do if an officer isn't using his body camera
or turns it off? What's the enforcement mechanism, and what's... what's the, uh, what's
the penalty, what's the punishment for the officer'? And then second question is, what
should the penalty or a ... be for an officer if he intimidates, A someone from recording
on their own cell phone, or if he attempts to delete that footage? Uh... you know, what a
lot of people hear, right before they're killed by the police, is that the police are worried
for their safety. So can I stand at this distance and film you if you're a police officer, or
is he going to scream in my face and say he's worried about his safety? And so ... your
body cameras aren't going to be a silver bullet, so what's the punishment and
enforcement for those? And then also, um, what's the protection of citizen's right to
record the police? Thank you. (applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
Kuchta/ Hello, my name is Heidi Kuchta and I've lived in this town for about 10 years.
Jensen/ Heidi, if you could sign in real quick, I'd appreciate it. Thank you!
Kuchta/ I will!
Jensen/ Thanks! We do that in part not because we're trying to keep track of everybody, but
more that when there's a transcript done of this and it's included as part of our annual
report, we make sure that we have people's names correctly and that information, so...
Kuchta/ So I actually have some concerns, or just things that I've noticed about the actual
complaint process itself. Um, so one thing that 1 noticed is that the police chief has sort
of the absolute authority over sort of the investigation. He will ultimately make the
decision as to whether or not an officer, uh, you know, basically under his power will be
punished or not. And then I noticed that after the... ('clears throat) after the little sheet
you have here for a complaint, it says ... a person who reports or causes to be reported
false information to a fire department or a law enforcement authority, knowing that the
information is false, or who reports the alleged occurrence of a criminal act, knowing the
same did not occur, commits a simple misdemeanor. And then it goes on to say that...
if...if you're contesting a more severe crime, and you lie about that, then you will
actually get an aggravated... or a more serious misdemeanor. So my concern here is that
in some ways, someone who's already been sort of victimized, urn, by —not sort of, but
someone who has been victimized by a police officer wants this sort of form of recourse,
they're actually almost signing on to the possibility of being charged with a misdemeanor
if the police chief finds out, for example, that... well, not if the police officer finds out,
but if the police officer, you know, finds the officer in question not guilty or something,
he could say, 'Oh, well, you made a false report. Now you also have a misdemeanor.'
And so I feel like the people who are ... who need this process might be sort of turned off
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by the idea of opening up an investigation at the end of which might result in them
getting a misdemeanor, on top of the bad incident they already had. Um. I ... I could see
this happening and so Fro just wondering more about... sort of the process in general and
how the review board, you know, you and us, how we're going to help these
investigations not further criminalize people who already had a ... a problem or a
confrontation. And that's my only concern and comment today. Thank you.
Jensen/ Okay. Pat, you want to (applause) speak to that a little bit or...
Ford/ I don't know if this is the right time to (both talking)
Jensen/ Okay. Okay! All right. Thank you. (someone speaking from audience) I... Fm sorry, I
can't hear you, ma'am. (several talking) Yeah, you bet. You're more than welcome to
...after everybody's had a chance to speak, to get back up if you have something
additional you'd like to share. Absolutely!
Olmstead/ Hi, my name's Harry Olmstead, and one of the things I'm concerned about that we're
kind of ignoring in our community, and that is ... the human slave trade that's going down
highway 80. We have children as well as adults that are kidnapped or not ... they
disappear, uh, but they're being put into a slave trade of prostitution, uh, and other types
of, uh, of slavery, and I think we have to take and, uh, address this issue and I would
highly recommend that the Police Review Board go in collaboration with the Human
Rights Commission to take and put together a program, an educational program, in this
community that can address this. Thank you. (applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
Hall/ Uh, good evening, my name is Joseph Hall. Do I have to give more information?
Jensen/ No, that's fine.
Hall/ I mean, I don't mind. I just don't know that it's relevant. Um ... I don't know ... um... if I'm
saying things that aren't within your jurisdiction or not. It's... there's too many things to
look up, but uh, I think that a lot of your work is reviewing complaints from citizens, uh,
about conduct of police. Um, and that's... good.. um, and you're supposed to be making
recommendations to, uh, City Council. Um, one possible recommendation, um, could be
looking, uh, at like for example there was a study done by St. Ambrose University, uh,
for disproportionality in police stops and police arrests. Um, and it showed that Iowa
City Police are, um, twice as likely to, at least twice as likely. Some are far more than
twice as likely. Uh, to pull over or stop, uh.... a minority person as opposed to a white
person or —within the context of this study, uh, a white person or an Asian person. Um,
but there's also, um, so there's all kinds of things that go into why that could be. Um, but
there's racial biases, a huge one, but there's also like financial incentives for police to be
stopping people. Um, they get, uh, federal money for drug arrests. They get, um, they're
able to seize property, uh, within those contexts, and use the proceeds of that with, like
for the police department. Um, and so —disproportionately stopping, uh, black people
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tends to be okay for Iowa City, as most people here have been complaining about. Um,
it's not okay for me. 1 don't think it's a lot of case... it's okay for most of the people in
this room, uh, but there's not a huge public outcry against it. Um, and so it seems that the
Iowa City Police Department is able to utilize maybe their own bias, urn,
and —the ... disregard of most of the city, uh, for the rights and the liberties of African
Americans in this community to also profit from that abuse, um, and I don't know if
you're able to add more people to your staff with expertise, um, but ... uh, if you could
find somebody that could help consult with you on that or, I mean, I'm not an expert or a
statis ... statistician, um, but ... I think there's a lot of...validity in what I'm suggesting.
Um, and it may be possible to spend some of your time looking into things in which ... or
ways in which the police department, uh, systematically, urn ... kind of behind the scenes,
um, even perhaps not necessarily, uh, that they're even cognizant of this, uh, in terms of
the ... the incentives they have, to abuse certain people's rights and certain people's
liberties, and certain people's bodies, uh, for their own profit. Um, and so ... starting to
try and look in those directions, as well as the individual cases that are brought to you,
uh, might be a fruitful endeavor. Thank you. (applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
McDaniel/ Hi, my name is Laticia. I'm sorry I'm really kind of sick, so I'm going to try to ... talk
as great as I can, but I just basically had one question about, um, according to the
literature that you have. It says that you only have limited civil administrative reviews,
powers, and have no power or authority over criminal matters or police discipline. So
I'm just a little bit confused about what actually you do, because (laughs) if you have no
power to actually make any recommendations for discipline, when there is a chance of
misconduct within the police department. So, I mean, what is the purpose of this board?
If you ... if you can't do anything, and also, uh, what is it as citizens that we can do to
actually give you more power and more ... within the board, is it something that we need
to do as far as like a ... a ballot initiative or talking to City Council and ... cause we want to
give you more power and more accountability, um, to go after police officers who are
being abusive to people and to actually cut out the chief when it comes to these kinds of
things, because 1 don't think he should have a say on what you should review and what
you shouldn't review. So that is what I wanted to say, so if you can answer those two
questions about what actually you do and how can we help you to become a more
powerful board, to actually deal with abuse in Iowa City. Thank you. (applause)
Jensen/ Thank you. (several talking) Yeah, typically what we do is we take the information and
then that is shared back with Council and we look at questions and we will respond to
those, but it's...this is more of an opportunity for members to share their concerns. So...
Gore/ Hi, me again! I would also like to bring up a point. For the body cameras. Um, you did
bring up a good point about the body cameras. What's really the main point of body
cameras, cause... even if ... someone; s standing aside and getting a whole video tape of
whole... of what's going on, um, I feel like the body cameras and the police, it would just
be front -forward, you know, of what's going on in front of you. You know... I'm just
concerned like about like ... like how wide of a range is the camera going to like...what
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it's gonna get, because even when the video camera is even shot from the police car, it
gets a wide range of what's going on, but it doesn't really, you know, look into like
what's actually, you know, happening in front of you. I feel like it's also a bad idea
cause... even when you have a police cam —or a body camera on you. I feel like you're
just giving us like a ... excuse for us to be quiet like, oh, they have a body camera; it's
okay! You know? That's all I have to say about that. (applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
Heeren/ Um ... my name's Tessa Heeren and you guys can't answer any questions right now, is
that right? I just wanted to know, you mentioned the, um, education vid ... educational
video. What is that?
Jensen/ It's just a very short video that, um ... was another way that we came up with to get
information about the CPRB. So, who we are, what we ... what we do, um, another way
of reaching out to people.
Heeren/ Okay. And, um, so ... as far as I can tell what's going on here is we make suggestions to
you, you make suggestions to the City Council, and then they... suggest things to the
police and that's how we're addressing this? Addressing these concerns, is this chain of
suggestions? (laughter) I ... I guess...I mean, that's something to think about, I guess.
Urn —yeah, so, rim, I'm studying social work here at the University, and I've been doing
a lot of research about, um, disparities in education and the justice system. And, um, I
think that racism is something that's systemic. It's bigger than schools and the police
force, and it's something that those institutions just happen to have the numbers for...
that show these big gaps. Um, yeah, and I wanted to talk about, uh, I don't mean any
disrespect to the lady that spoke earlier, but she was kind of praising the police force for
not shooting somebody, and I just don't want that to be our standard for expectations is
somebody not dying (laughs) because uh, that's pretty low expectations, I think. Um...
yeah, and as a social work student, um, when we're talking about disproportionality and
um, all of these, uh, obvious ... unjustices, it seems that the interventions are always
focused on the... victim or the perpetrator (mumbled) it's more like preventative, oh, we
need to you know help them, they, you know, they're the ones who are breaking the law
and they're the ones who need to be addressed, but um, it's really a two ... there's two
parties involved in this, right. It's the police force and the community, and all of the
focus of the people that we need to fix are going to the community, and the police force is
infallible and they continue to do what they're doing. So I don't...I don't know if there's
any kind of opportunity to, um ... really, and I know you —seems that you guys don't have
very much influence in police policy... yet. So ... urn, and another thing, uh—this St.
Ambrose Study that this other gentleman was just talking about, I was also looking at that
and um...the ... diversity within the force is pretty dismal. I think there's three people that
aren't white, and of the 77 people on patrol, all of the leadership, sergeant, lieutenant,
captain, um, are white people and i don't think that's any —urn, I'd guess 1 just want to
know what the police force is doing to actively change those numbers because I don't
think, um, those three people that aren't white in the police force really have a chance to
move up. I mean, working in that kind of environment, you know, you kind of wonder
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what the culture is like there, within the force. 1 mean we can talk about cultural
competency with the police and the public, but ... what about the police officers
themselves and the people that they work with. You know, how ... what would it be like
to work in the police force as a minority person. So ... there's that. Um ... yeah, I think
the, um, focusing on these small things is really, uh, someone was talking about it earlier,
just the ... um, the waving of the Fourth Amendment and the, um, I was looking at the
Know Your Rights presentations that the police do and they do that upon request, I guess,
and 1 just don't know that, um, it's on our responsibility to request that information. I
guess I just wish they would do it more regularly, open to the public, so people do
know ... I think people'd be less defensive and less, um, ready for conflict if they were
comfortable knowing what their rights were, knowing if they do need ... do have, um, if
the officer has a right to search them at that time. I guess, and um... yeah, and I guess
(laughs) another thing. Sorry, I'm going on forever, but unr, another thing I wanted to
talk about was just the enforcement and the accountability within the force, and urn, with
that... with that culture I was kind of mentioning earlier of this overwhelmingly white
force, um, I kind of wonder what it's like when someone has a, um, questionable
encounter, whether it's like, hey, don't do that! Or, you know, 1 don't know ... I...I would
like to see something that is documented that is transparent, that um ... follows that
officer. um —and ... yeah...I guess that's, okay, one more thing (laughs) Um,
when —when I'm looking at the disparities in the education system, Georgetown
University is, um, working on this really good, uh, program that takes almost every kind
of infringement in the school system, and it's breaking it down into very objective
policies. If this action happens, this is the action that we take, and um, I guess I would
just like to see something more like that in the justice system, and if we can take the
subjectivity out of it, and the officers are following a policy, that is set... set in place, then
they can't —they can't be, um, blamed for what they're doing. 1 guess. So, yeah! I think
that's all I had. Thanks! (applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
Sullivan/ I apologize. Uh, I didn't want to take up too much time. Adam Sullivan again. Um, I
just wanted to add one more voice, um, to the idea that, uh, this Board is not as powerful
as it needs to be. Um, you don't have the authority to make the substantive change that
we need for our police department, um, and I also wanted to make, uh, everyone here
aware that, um, this Board is established, uh, through our City Charter. Um, there is a
process for citizens to amend that Charter, and so if you think we need a better, uh,
Community Police Review Board, uh, we can do that. It's not too arduous a process, um,
and I think that's a really healthy conversation for our community to start. (applause)
Jensen/ Thank you, Adam.
Gore/ (laughter)
Jensen/ That's all right!
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Gore/ Also another thing, um, I feel like we should get the more... word out and to where my
people (laughs) should know about this cause I feel like, you know, how many ... there's
like a trickle, a handful, of black people here (laughter) so I feel like our people should
know, and we should really get the word out. My fiiend showed me on the bulletin
board, you know, there's a bunch of advertisements. I feel like we should have a big, you
know, poster of it, you know, just bragging about it, so... (laughter) (applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
Tucker/ Okey dokey. Hi, Annie Tucker. So, um ... first, unn, responding to what you're saying.
You know the School Board has had meetings like at The Spot and other places to
encourage being able to listen to different parts of our community say what's going on.
And maybe that's something that would be good for you guys to do, and maybe you
could have the Chief with you and a few officers. 1 don't know if it would be too scary
or too threatening for someone if there were officers there, but it was really powerful to
hear, urn ... problems being expressed to the School Board Members... directly, in areas
where... that were in people's neighborhoods. So, number one, that. Okay, good. So
then number two, so I had like a list also. Um, on the —the CPRB, great, I saw that,
Mazahir, you said that it should be changed to Citizens Police Review Board. That's
great. That sounds good. Um, the other thing to know is that other cities have different
investigation procedures. There are cities that... where there's an independent body. Ifs
people funded by the city but they're not city staff, and they do the investigation, and
they are authorized to go in and look at the videos, and look at the records, and make an
investigation and report independently back to you. So I think that's an important
component of changing the system and so I think we should all be working on that, and
so maybe we can share some contact information so we could begin that process, so that
we're not just ... laying it on them. It can come from us. Okay, so I'm short so I need to
have it lower. Um ... I agree, I was going to bring up the thing about the ... the body
cameras, as well. I think we all know about situations where the cameras on the cars,
which is what they used to only have, and do they have the body cameras? Did they
finally get the body cameras? Yes or no? Do we...
Jensen/ 1 believe we don't have them in place yet.
Tucker/ That's what I heard.
Jensen/ They're coming and... sometime, last I heard, summer, fall, potentially but there's...
they're not all in place yet, no.
Tucker/ Okay, that was ... that was my most current information too. So, here's the deal — you
said like when someone doesn't turn on theirs, but there's also people who have them on
or turn them off on purpose, and then say, oh gosh, we don't have., this has happened in
a legal case ... that the officer said, oh gosh, it was the changing of the shift. We don't
have that video. Darn! Seriously? So there should be penalties for that, and I would like
you guys to consider whether you need us to raise that or whether you want to make that
proposal to the City Council. There should be consequences for people not having their
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cameras working and providing effective information. There should be consequences.
Um, I like the word penalty, you used the word penalty. Uni... the other thing is... so
here's the deal. I was at the, tun, the Arts Fest last year. You know, I was just sitting on
kind of a lamppost base, talking with a friend, and all of sudden... and the music was
going. I was thinking of going up and dancing but this person couldn't dance so I was
waiting for a while. So, um, all of a sudden this far in front of me someone is going, get
up! Get up or I'll make you get up! So I tuna my head from my conversation, I look and
there's an officer in front of me saying that. I follow his eyes, and there happens to be a
guy sitting next to me, happens to be a white guy, who's drinking a beer. But he talked to
`em like that, and so then he and his co -officer took `em some place and I kind of
followed at a distance cause I knew that (laughs) yes, I kknew...I knew that, um„ I didn't
want to distract them, but I also wanted to really monitor them, and I wasn't smart
enough or savvy enough technologically to have been able to video if I'd thought about
it, but from now on 1 will. But it turned out that things did not seem to go awry, I mean,
the ... the disrespect and ... from his voice was ... did not seem to be manifested in
behaviors that happened before he, um, I mean he was handcuffed, he was put in a car,
but he was not treated roughly to my eyes, but later I asked... asked the guy's partner
what his name was and I called in about that. I found out who the shift supervisor was
and I called in. Now the problem is, I've never filed a written complaint, but I will do
that. I've written it up, and I've found out the guy's name, but at the time I talked to the
supervisor and he said something that I heard yet again when I told the story two months
ago, and you were there when I told the story. And I got the same response from the
officer I told then, as I told ... are you following me? I told it two months ago. That
officer said this response, the same one that the guy's supervisor said, and it was this,
which is useful for us to know: we have an ever-growing young force, and when we get
these young officers, these two more seasoned officers said, you know, they're... they've
got an idea of what their job is. You know, and it takes a while for that to wear off.
What? I ... that's, actually that's a misquote, but that was my impression of what they
said. So let me be clear about that. But ...but the point is that...that if two officers who
are older and going to be leaving the force are saying, yeah, we got some... well, I don't
want to use my own words. We have some younger officers who have that kind of
behavior. We're working seriously on correcting that behavior. And this one from two
months ago said to me, and this was not when you were in the room. It was a different
time. He said, um, you know, I think that the Iowa City community wants officers that
are respectful to people. And I think that our officers need to know that, which to me was
a heads -up that I don't think we as a community have communicated well enough to say,
you know what, here's what we want from our police force, here's what we expect. 1
mean, my office is in adult's correction. I volunteer in the prison. I never hear any
officers speak disrespectfully to people who are incarcerated or have been, you know,
and here was this guy, um, speaking very disrespectfully. So, one, I think an additional
thing for us to do is work on as a community, cornmun...communicating to the police
officers and our City Council and saying, `This is what we want in a police force.' This
is what ... the kind of behavior we expect. And likewise, I think that either we or you or
all of us need to say to the police ... to the police officers, given the climate in our country
and the events happening, given the disproportionate minority contact with ... with law
officers here, and other ... and just systemic disproportionate minority differences here,
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April 2K 2015 Citizens Police Review Board Annual Community Forum Page 16
um, I think the police department has to really make a much bigger effort ... to connect
with our community and not just, I mean, great to be at the MLK thing. Great to be at the
other thing ... that she mentioned, but I...I think they need to be building relationship like
things working here is based on good relationships. I don't think I'm naive. Respectful
relationships and not going from zero to 60 with military stuff or tough cop attitude, uh,
that doesn't make things better here. So, let me just look... okay, that's it. Thank you.
(applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
Heeren/ I just ... I just wanted to follow up with what Annie said because I was ... I was in that
conversation with her, uh, earlier, and um, she told that same story and the officer we
were talking to says, oh, it takes about five years for an officer to really settle in to his
role as the actual... building that community relationship and really understanding, um, I
think he kind of said it was something like, uh... it's ... it makes the job easier once you
get to that five year mark and you understand what your role is, that you're not this, you
know, kind of, uh, enforcer character but um, my reaction to that was when I get a job, I
have 90 days (laughter) I have 90 days before if I mess up I'm going to get fired if I don't
get up to code, you know, and so I'm wondering why our police force is given so much
leniency in their jobs that are very important, I think. So, yeah, 1 think- just, um ... really
putting... putting their paychecks, putting their jobs on the line and not just saying like,
uh, don't do that. It's not okay, here's a warning, here's your next warning, um, really,
uh, making it...making the job fit the actions, making the actions fit the job, I guess.
(applause)
Jensen/ Thank you.
Tucker/ Um, 1 just want to thank you all. You ... you have a really tough job. You have a big
commitment, and ,you don't have as much power as you need. So thanks for sitting in
those chairs and doing your work, in the interim, before things change.
Jensen/ Thank you. Anybody else? Any additional comments? Concerns? Okay! Item #5 on
the agenda is adjoununent. Oops, excuse me!
Olmstead/ Not yet!
Jensen/ Okay!
Olmstead/ I was listening to the news regarding Baltimore, and police chief said that even though
there was obvious, uh... uh, violence that went on with the police, that they could not tare
those officers right away because the city wouldn't let `em. I think we need to look into
that. if we have an incident like that, uh, can we fire the officer? We need to get rid of
`em, or at least put `em on administrative leave without pay. Thank you. Oh, I'm Harry
Olmstead.
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Jensen/ Thank you! (applause) Okay, if we don't have any further concerns or comments, Item
#5 of the agenda is adjournment.
Tucker/ I have one.
Jensen/ Yes!
Tucker/ I just want to say, in ... in, to add to that, um, the first woman who spokes... thing. I just
want to say, let's not forget that article in the Little Village about the SWAT team. Let's
not forget the SWAT team video that was the recruiting video that is still on line at The
Guardian. Let's not forget those things, that those are part of the culture that we're
dealing with and I just want the record to show, I'm sure that ... I know that...I know
personally that there are great officers, but what 1 think we've expressed some concerns
about the culture in the police department, and —and that's part of their record. Thanks!
ADJOURNMENT:
Jensen/ All right (mumbled) we're adjourned! Thank you very much. Thank everybody for
coming!
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Citizens Police Review
Board Annual Community Forum of April 28, 2015.