Portland’s police reform agreement with the US Department of Justice cleared some major hurdles this year—finally winning approval from a federal judge (even if the city’s challenging a key part of his order) and then, this fall, gaining a compliance officer/community liaison.
But the most important piece of the reform deal had still been left undone: the seating of a 15-person advisory panel whose members are supposed to serve as the city’s conscience over all the years the agreement’s in effect—working with the compliance officer, issuing recommendations to police officials, and serving as a conduit for community concerns.
That’s changing as of this month.
Last week, city officials sent notice they’re accepting applications for what’s officially known as the “Community Oversight Advisory Board” (COAB), the linchpin of an agreement that prescribes training, policy, and oversight changes in response to findings that Portland cops engaged in a pattern or practice of using excessive force against people with mental illness.
The announcement came after Commissioner Amanda Fritz, city hall’s point person on the COAB selection process, worked with advocates to refine how members would be selected.
The panel’s 15 citizen spots (five cops also will sit on the board, but as advisory members) can be filled by anyone who lives, works, or studies in Portland, so long as they have no conflicts of interest with the city, real or perceived.
Five of the members will be chosen by a new selection committee, five more will then be appointed by the Portland Commission on Disability and Portland Human Rights Commission (both will be looking for people with mental illness/mental health), and the city council will then choose the final five citizens.
Here are some guidelines:
Here are some of the questions applicants will have answer:
It’s a serious commitment—and it’s not a stretch to suggest the success of the reform deal hinges partly on who applies for the COAB and who winds up selected.
Which means if you’re interested and/or think you’re well-suited for the work, you should really get moving. Applications are due by January 9!