Help provide independent civilian oversight of the Berkeley Police Department
We’ve extended the application deadline to serve on the City’s Police Accountability Board, a newly established body created by voters in November 2020 with the passage of Measure II. Applications are now due Monday, March 29.
This nine-member Board is charged with promoting public trust through independent, civilian oversight of the Berkeley Police Department, providing community participation in setting and reviewing Police Department policies, practices, and procedures, and providing a means for prompt, impartial, and fair investigation of complaints brought by members of the public against sworn employees of the Berkeley Police Department.
The Police Accountability Board will replace the City’s existing Police Review Commission.
Help build a Board that reflects our diverse community
Please share this opportunity with your networks. We’re seeking a diverse pool of applicants to establish an inclusive board that reflects the Berkeley community. Most residents 18 and over are eligible to serve.
Board members must be fair minded and objective, with a demonstrated commitment to community service. Desirable qualities include: familiarity with human resources, law, police procedures, police oversight, or involvement in civil rights or community organizations.
To apply, you'll need to complete a short application, which ask for:
- Contact and demographic information
- Confirmation of your eligibility for the Board
- Written statements explaining why you’re interested in serving and what about your background qualifies you for appointment
- Three references who can comment on your capabilities
A small number of individuals are ineligible to serve on the Board, including an employee, officer, or contractor with the City, a current sworn police officer from any agency, or a current employee, official, or representative of an employee association representing sworn police officers.
Applications due Monday, March 29
To apply, download the application and submit the completed form by email to commission@cityofberkeley.info or mail it to:
City Clerk Department 2180 Milvia Street, 1st Floor Berkeley, CA 94704
Applications must be received by 5pm Monday, March 29, 2021.
About the Police Accountability Board
Police Accountability Board members will be appointed by the Mayor and City Councilmembers, and must be approved by a majority vote of the City Council. The Board is expected to start work in summer 2021, after appointments are complete. The Board’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Providing independent civilian oversight including considering the findings and recommendations of the Director of Police Accountability regarding complaints against sworn employees of the Berkeley Police Department.
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Advising and making recommendations regarding the operation of the Berkeley Police Department, including the Department’s policies, practices, and procedures.
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Reviewing and recommending for City Council approval certain agreements involving the Berkeley Police Department and other local, state and federal law enforcement, intelligence, and military agencies or private security organizations.
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Reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council regarding the Police Department budget.
The day-to-day work of the Police Accountability Board will be managed by the Director of Police Accountability, a newly created position that reports directly to the Mayor and City Council. The Director of Police Accountability is also responsible for ensuring a timely, thorough, complete, objective and fair investigation into the complaints members of the public against sworn employees of the Police Department, performing community outreach, and preparing annual reports to the City Council.
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