10.14.21 POP Meeting NotesBoulder Police Oversight Panel
Meeting Notes
October 14, 2021
I. Discussion of By-laws
The panel continued their discussion of the draft by-laws and continued
the process of provisionally approving various articles and sub-sections
of the draft by-laws.
II. Discussion on next panel training topics
The panel indicated that they were ready for training on new material
and that they would also like to continue receiving refresher and
additional trainings on past topics. The panel also indicated that they
would like to receive training on some areas outside of police oversight,
such as equity, city policies, and media training.
III. Monitor’s report
a. MOU on notification to monitor of critical incidents
The monitor discussed the ongoing development of a Memorandum
of Understanding between the panel, the monitor and the police
chief which will govern the process of notifying the monitor of critical
incidents. The events covered by the MOU include:
• all in-custody deaths;
• any intentional discharge of a firearm by an officer at a person;
• any unintentional discharge of a firearm, while on-duty or off-
duty, irrespective of injuries to suspects, officers, or third parties;
• use of lethal force on a domestic animal in self-defense or defense
of others; and
• any civil disturbances (either planned or spontaneous).
b. Update on Council approval of alternate panel member
The monitor reported that the City Council’s approval of the panel’s
alternate member would occur on October 19.
c. Racial Equity Instrument update
The monitor reported on developments in the application of the
city’s racial equity instrument to the police oversight process. The
monitor indicated that the instrument would focus on factors that
impact the retention of volunteers of color on the oversight panel.
The monitor explained that the instrument would by implemented by
asking all panel members a series of questions at a regular interval.
The questions are designed to identify any particular barriers to
participation. The questions may include:
1. What is the greatest difficulty for you in doing this work?
a. Frequency and times of meetings
b. Logistical hurdles (either virtual or in-person)
c. Financial burden: does volunteering inhibit your
ability to work for income?
2. What can be done to lessen the burden of volunteering
for the panel?
3. What additional supports or developments would make
the work more fulfilling or rewarding?
4. On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied are you with the
direction of the work being done by the panel? (1 being
not satisfied at all, 10 being completely satisfied).
The instrument will also include an exit interview when members
leave before the end of their term or elect to not serve a second
term.
d. Report on outcome of case reviews
i. One case involving allegations of failing to provide a business
card, improper enforcement of trespass laws, and security of
police information has been completed. The panel
recommended sustaining the allegations against the officer
and recommended retraining, reassignment, removal of
training officer status, and a two-day suspension. The
department sustained the allegations and imposed discipline.
ii. A panel review committee reviewed another case and elected
to recommend that the department conduct additional
investigation. The department accepted the recommendation
and is in the process of carrying out the requested additional
investigation. We will further report out on this case once it is
completed.
iii. One case that the panel has selected for a full case file review
is now ready for review. The monitor will reach out to schedule
this one next week.
e. Monthly case statistics
i. Three complaints were filed in September
1. One is for misconduct, one is for serious misconduct,
and the other is an internal complaint.
2. One community inquiry was filed
ii. So far in October, two complaints have been filed
iii. There are currently 9 active investigations that are in progress
(up from 6 last month)
iv. So far in 2021, 47 complaints have been filed and nine
allegations have been sustained against officers
IV. Panel selection of cases to review
The panel reviewed the summaries of the complaints filed in September.
The panel voted on whether to conduct a full review of each case. The
panel elected to conduct a full case file review of cases #SM2021-002
and MI2021-043.
V. Public Comment