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Request for amendments to Commission on Police Practices Ordinance

Published on 1/21/2022

Our testimony at the 1/21/22 San Diego City Council Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee meeting:

The League has been a steadfast supporter of an independent Commission on Police Practices and today we are asking for amendments to be made to the proposed ordinance.

We support a criminal justice system that is just, effective, equitable, transparent, and that fosters public trust at all stages. We request that you remove the statement that commission records will be considered personnel records because this could limit the commission’s ability to be transparent and share information on complaints and findings with the public.

The League supports city government with structures and procedures that promote responsive, responsible and efficient government with adequate checks and balances of power. We ask that you amend the ordinance to include gathering of original sources in the definition of "investigation" and require SDPD to allow the commission investigators immediate access to incident scenes when the commission is required to investigate.

Without these amendments, the ordinance would undermine those who voted for an independent, community-led commission. Stay true to the spirit and letter of Measure B by adopting these amendments.

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