The Public Safety Reform & Oversight Commission is continuing to edit a document that pertains to the riots of 2020 and respond to the OIR report despite ongoing questions over the Commission’s authority.
They plan to give their feedback then send a finalized copy to the City Council in the coming weeks.
At their most recent meeting, Commissioners had differing opinions on the language of the current draft.
“When you state the SMPD’s policies, training and tactics resulted in attacks on peaceful protesters, I don’t know, that language seems kind of incendiary to me,” Commissioner Joseph Palazzolo said. “I don’t think an attack would be something that would be intentional and I don’t think they intentionally attacked anyone.”
Commissioner Craig Miller criticized police for using weapons against what he deemed peaceful protesters.
“I think the clear message from the OIR report,” Miller said, “ Regardless of their exact word choice, there was indeed a launching of weaponry on protesters on Ocean Avenue.”
The Commission is currently limited in its scope due to a lawsuit filed by the Police Officer’s Association. The suit was discussed by the City Council last week but no decision was made. However, public comment was received regarding the issues.
Dan Hall, a Representative of the Executive Board of the Santa Monica Democratic Club credited local police, but wanted an independent review of the OIR report.
“Speaking for myself here, I believe we are fortunate to have Interim Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks, and what in my impression is a well functioning trained and respectful police department,” he said. “But the incidents on May 31 cannot happen again, and I believe the appropriate way to ensure that is through an independent review of the OIR report, independent analyses and recommendations, independent ability to coordinate oversight functions.”
John Katz, president of the Santa Monica Democratic Club credited the oversight commission and their leadership.
“We have been really pleased to see the progress that the commission has made under chair George Brown, and we’re really pleased to know that there is accountability happening in our city for the police department,” He said. “And we want to make sure that this civilian oversight is what we continue; civilian oversight means there’s not any interference from the police department and police union, or any other entities that may try to unduly influence the work that the Commission is doing.”
The latest agreement temporarily bars the Commission from several actions including making recommendations to the Police Chief, City Manager or City Council regarding SMPD policies and practices; the availability of SMPD disciplinary records and personnel files; or SMPD’s proposed budget.
The current agreement between the commission and Santa Monica Police Department was approved by Council during an Aug. 24 closed session on the recommendation of Interim City Attorney George Cardona and was scheduled to expire in September.
daniel@smdp.com
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October 04, 2021 at 01:00PM
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Commission to re-draft current document, send to City Council - Santa Monica Daily Press
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