Measure B Ordinance Ammendment
June 23, 2021
Subject: CPP Ordinance must reflect the WILL OF THE VOTERS
Dear Councilmembers,
The League of Women Voters of San Diego urges the PSNL committee to respect the will of the voters of San Diego, who overwhelmingly voted yes on Measure B and expect its corresponding Ordinance to stay true to the spirit and letter of that legislation.
The CPP Ordinance should include the following:
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The definition of investigation must include a robust and independent process with the collection of original sources. Without this the CPP could lapse back into only reviewing police misconduct that it should be investigating. This is in direct opposition of Measure B. Additionally, the current version of the ordinance only allows the Commission to make limited findings, which must be expanded.
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The nominating process should be community-led and apolitical. A panel of community members should be designated to nominate Commissioners.
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The Ordinance cannot restrict the subpoena power and access to personnel records and other documents in SDPD’s possession granted to the Commission by Measure B.
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The Commission must be required to take complaints directly from the community.
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The CPP must be required to investigate complaints made by community members about policies and procedures of SDPD.
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And lastly, we cannot let police union negotiations control what the Commission can and cannot do.
Without these amendments, the proposed Ordinance would dangerously undermine the voters of San Diego who voted for an independent, community-led Commission on Police Practices with investigatory and subpoena powers. We also ask you to consider and accept all amendments requested by San Diegans for Justice.
Thank you.
Lori Thiel, President
League of Women Voters, San Diego