A heated Public Safety Commission meeting revealed dissatisfaction with the Office of Police Oversight's complaint management process. Commissioner Rebecca Bernhardt questioned the appropriateness of a former police officer leading civilian complaints. Chair Nelly Paulina Ramírez emphasized the need for complainants to understand that requesting supervisor referrals does not initiate investigations. Complaint Supervisor Kevin Masters clarified that complainants can choose between different complaint processes. Confusion about the transparency of the process was highlighted, particularly regarding how complainants are informed when cases are closed.
Commissioner Rebecca Bernhardt expressed concern over appointing a former police officer to handle community complaints about police conduct, questioning the impartiality of such a decision.
Commission Chair Nelly Paulina Ramírez raised issues regarding complainants' understanding of their options, particularly highlighting that requesting a supervisor referral does not guarantee an investigation.
Complaint Supervisor Kevin Masters confirmed that the OPO allows complainants to choose how to proceed, whether initiating a full investigation or simply documenting their experience.
Concern was raised about the transparency of the complaint process, particularly regarding how much information complainants receive when their cases are closed.
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