The Citizens Oversight Board is a group of Citizens who oversee the conduct and misconduct of Police officers and Departmental policies. Whether an officer-involved shooting or complaints against the Department, the Citizen Oversight Board stands in the gap between the community and the Police. (Police the Police if you will)
While trying to navigate through new territory, Board Chairman Jesuorobo Enobakhare said, the council is now requesting a review of the Oversight Board’s policies. Sounds like a move to gut the Oversight Board, before it has a foundation to stand on. #StayOnTheUpnUp
According to NBC5 The Dallas Police Oversight Board that provides civilian input on discipline of police needs more discipline itself, according to several city council members.
“We want to have a relationship. We want to have transparency but we want to be sure there’s no misunderstanding as we proceed,” Council Member Carolyn Arnold said.
Members took issue with a recommendation approved by the board to be sent to the city council about changing city policy to eliminate low-level marijuana cases at the suggestion of District Attorney John Creuzot.
“I don’t think that’s their decision. They can offer that suggestion, but that was a strange vote,” Council Member Cara Mendelsohn said.
Mendelsohn also questioned the manner of that board vote, which she said was taken while some oversight board members said they still wanted more information about the issue.
“I think there’s some governance issues,” Mendelsohn said.
Enobakhare responded that no violations were intended and his board is still finding its way through new territory.
“Our role is not to direct you as far as policy. We make a recommendation and you the city council decide if you want to accept that advice or not,” he said.
