Explanation
In January 2020, the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission presented final recommendations for police reform. Among their recommendations, the Commission called for the establishment of an independent civilian review board, and an amendment to the City Charter to create a city-funded, operationally independent, professionally-staffed, public-facing entity empowered to participate in administrative investigations involving Division personnel.
In July 2020, consistent with the recommendations of the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission, Mayor Ginther and City Council announced their intent to place an issue on the November ballot to amend the City Charter to establish a civilian police review board and a Department of the Inspector General for the Columbus Division of Police. On November 3, 2020, Columbus voters overwhelmingly approved the amendment by nearly 75 percent.
Also consistent with the Community Safety Advisory Commission Civilian Review Board recommendations, the City established the Civilian Review Board Work Group to develop the board’s roles and responsibilities. In December 2020, the work group provided their recommendations to the Mayor which formed the basis for ordinance 1169-2021, supplementing the Charter provisions by conferring upon the board expanded authority to develop administrative rules; receive, initiate, review, and cause the investigation of complaints of misconduct; make recommendations on resolutions of complaints; make recommendations on discipline; and in specific circumstances, to subpoena witnesses and evidence.
This ordinance seeks to build upon the Charter and existing City Code authority of the Board by providing a means by which subpoenas issued by or on behalf of the Board might be enforced, consistent with sections of the City Charter, to aid in the investigation and/or review of allegations of misconduct where warranted.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: An emergency exists in that it is necessary...
Click here for full text