As a current member of the Civilian Review Authority board, I couldn't agree more with Ken Bradley's sentiment. Ken correctly notes that the Minneapolis Civilian Police Review Authority has not heard a case in a year and a half. Actually, I understand that it has been 21 months since a case was last ajudicated by the CRA. I think it's an embarassment that we haven't resolved a complaint in so long. There is currently a backlog of 50 - 60 cases awaiting review. This backlog is due primarily to a restructuring of the CRA - a process that is in its final stages. Over the past 18 months, the CRA was redeveloped to align more closely with the needs of the community and to be more effective in handling cases. Because of staffing and organizational changes during the redesign, cases were not heard. However, new cases were investigated and case files created for review under the redesigned structure. Over the past few months, new CRA board members (I'm one of them) were chosen and began training. On Wednesday night, the CRA will have a public hearing on its new operating rules. These rules govern and describe the basic functions of the civilian review process. Once adopted by the CRA board, the rules move to the city council for approval. We'll begin resolving the backlog once the rules are approved. We give the complaintant and officer 10 days notice prior to a hearing panel review. Subsequently, we might begin hearing cases by the end of November or early December. I think a few things should be noted: the CRA is one of many recourses citizens have in dealing with police brutality issues. In many cases, the allegations against an officer are so serious that the CRA wouldn't be involved - notably, cases where the allegation, if proven true, would result in jail time for the officer. The CRA's task is to investigate and determine if a "preponderance of evidence" exists to sustain a complaint alleging abuse of authority. If enough evidence exists, the chief of police is called upon to discipline the officer. Also, the rules being discussed on Wednesday night are by no means "cut and dry." Personally, I find many sections complicated and unhelpful. The public hearing is a good opportunity for citizens to comment on the rules and be involved in the process. You can see the proposed rules here: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/news/20030924CRArules.asp Michael Weinbeck Civilian Police Review Authority board member Audobon Park Message: 13 Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2003 11:29:35 -0800 (PST) From: ken bradley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Andy Driscoll <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Minneapolis Issues <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Mpls] Time for Mpls Civilian Review to start doing its job! --0-961437411-1067282975=:44189 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hello Minneapolis Folks: I was at several events over the weekend and Minneapolis and Henn county police brutality issues were the topic of conversation. I spoke with several people that have experience working on these types of issues. Two points were made: 1) The current system is broken. 2) Law enforcement does not fear being held accountable for their actions in case related to police brutality. The cases of Philander Jenkins, and Bryce Williams support this theory. I have been told that Minneapolis Civilian Review has not heard a case in the last year and half (feel free to correct me on this issue). We are at a critical time in our city history and if these issues are not addressed soon, expect greater unrest in our city. I hope our city officials will agree to fully fund and push for a more aggressive Civilian Review process. Ken Bradley Corcoran Neighborhood --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Exclusive Video Premiere - Britney Spears --0-961437411-1067282975=:44189 Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
