Item B: Civilian Review Board Annual Report

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ATTACHMENT A Eugene Civilian Review Board 2009 Annual Report Introduction A primary goal of Eugene’s Civilian Review Board (“Board”) is to increase transparency and public confidence in the police complaint process. We evaluate the work of the independent Police Auditor, and may review complaints to provide comment, from a civilian perspective, about whether the complaint was handled fairly and with due diligence. In 2009, the Board reviewed its first Community Impact case that occurred in October of 2008 at Broadway and Willamette. In a public meeting, Board members discussed, debated and probed the investigation, the Auditor’s recommended adjudication, and the police administration decisions. The meeting provided a valuable and unique opportunity for the public to learn more about the events leading to the complaints, and how the complaints were investigated by the police department. Aside from the community impact case, the Board also reviewed numerous other closed cases, all in open meetings. Again, discussing the complaints in public affords the community the opportunity to learn more about the complaint process, and to hear those complaints discussed openly and critically. Internally, the Board and the City began its work with the new police auditor, Mark Gissiner. The Council also expanded the Board to seven members. Those additional members have broadened the Board’s viewpoint and strengthened our voice. We continue to work to increase transparency and public confidence. Board members contribute a substantial amount of time in this endeavor. We express our appreciation to the Eugene Police Department, the Council, and the citizens of Eugene for the confidence entrusted to us. All of us on the Board volunteer our time and our effort because we believe in the strength and the potential of this community. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. Kate A. Wilkinson Tim Laue Board Chair Vice-Chair