"It was nearly a decade ago that Oakland voters overwhelmingly agreed in the ballot boxes that the city needed citizen oversight of the police department. Many hoped at the time that the newly established watchdog body would eventually take the reins from federal officials who have maintained control of the Oakland Police Department for now over two decades. But the commission comprised of seven volunteer members still seems to be struggling to gain footing within Oakland's complex bureaucratic tangles."
"On Thursday night, the commission voted to keep Ricardo Garcia-Acosta as its chair an awkward arrangement, given that the Oakland City Council in October had unanimously rejected Garcia-Acosta's reappointment as a commissioner altogether. Garcia-Acosta, who works in nonprofits, and fellow Commissioner Omar Farmer, a small business owner, were submitted together by a selection panel, but the council in rare fashion used its veto powers to reject the slate."
Oakland voters approved civilian police oversight nearly a decade ago to increase public accountability. Many expected the commission to eventually replace longstanding federal oversight of the police department. The seven volunteer commissioners continue to struggle to gain footing within Oakland's bureaucracy and face accusations of being either too cynical or overly lenient toward officers. The commission voted to retain Ricardo Garcia-Acosta as chair despite the City Council previously rejecting his reappointment, after a selection panel resubmitted him and another commissioner. A Jan. 20 council hearing may test the commission's independence. The commission can fire the chief with cause, influence hirings, and its investigative arm reviews officer misconduct and may replace internal affairs.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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