Note: please note that this issue brief should (a) link back to the issue overview on this topic, (b) be focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (c) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items. See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you.
Goal Statement
Two civilian rights brochures were created by two student interns with the City of Berkeley Police Review Commission (PRC) through the Cal in Local Government Internship Program that is sponsored by the Cal Corps Public Service Center at the University of California, Berkeley. The goal of these brochures is to create community awareness about the PRC and to inform citizens about police procedures and their rights during a police encounter. The goal is to upload both brochures to the PRC website as well as deliver paper copies to associations/groups. Informing the public about the PRC is essential to ensure a continued tradition of keeping the Berkeley Police Department in check as well as encouraging and enhancing the involvement of citizens in local government. This knowledge may ultimately make the PRC that much more efficient.
Scope of the Problem factual statements on the extent of the problem in the past, current, or future
Past Policy key legislation and milestones including significant policy and funding shifts, major studies, etc.
Existing models of other police review agencies:
Police Oversight Commission
A citizen board that reviews complaints and holds hearings. The PRC falls into this category.
Independent Counsel/Auditor
When an individual reviews Internal Affairs investigations.
A local example is the Independent Police Auditor of San Jose. Her website has an informational brochure regarding civilian rights in police interactions but it is primarily targeted to youth.
Independent Review Office model
Similar to a Police Oversight Commission without the Commission.
The City of Richmond has a Police Review Commission and they too have an informational brochure about their agency.
Current Policy summary of current policies in the form of legislation, programs, and funding
The interns proposed 3 recommendations to the PRC:
To update the existing PRC brochure
To create a new know your rights brochure which would detail the rights of civilians in police interactions as well as commonly misunderstood/unknown police procedures
To create a list of community resources and key contacts guide for civilians.
Projects:
Glossary of Terms
Contact contact information for sponsor of this policy or program
To learn more about the Cal in Local Government Internship Program, e-mail us at calinlocalgovt@berkeley.edu or check out our website at http://students.berkeley.edu/osl/calcorps.asp?id=1095.