Chief Bevan introduces plan for Bradenton Police Department’s Citizen Advisory Committee
Police Chief Melanie Bevan has revealed her vision for a new committee meant to “ensure transparency” and “enhance the trust” between the Bradenton Police Department and the community.
“There’s nothing like this in Manatee County. We would be the first to do this,” Bevan said as she announced the draft version of her plan to Bradenton City Council Wednesday morning.
According to an early version of the plan, the 7-person Citizen Advisory Committee’s duties will include reviewing completed Internal Affairs investigations, recommending training improvements, making sure citizen complaints are addressed by the department and identifying trends of wrongful conduct.
Notably, the committee will not have any authority to subpoena records, investigate cases or discipline officers.
“The CAC is advisory only and is devoted to facilitating the flow of ideas and recommendations relative to police services for the continued improvement of the quality of life of all its residents and those visiting our community,” the draft document says.
A public plan for a citizen board that works with the police comes after a yearlong discussion on the matter. City residents first urged City Council to adopt a review board last June, triggering a debate around the city charter.
Officials question timing of citizen board
Several City Council members supported a ballot measure that would strip the mayor’s office of its role as police commissioner. Poston vetoed that ordinance last month, but council members are making the push again now that Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey is on the board.
The timing of the announcement is “suspicious,” said Councilman Patrick Roff.
“I think it’s funny that all of a sudden this is showing up. It seems to me that a year ago we had a group of citizens who wanted this and the answer was no,” Roff said.
“A year later and after a veto — it seems a little suspicious,” he added. “I would support this thing anyway. I really don’t care when people do the right thing for the wrong reasons.”
Councilman Harold Byrd, Jr. said he had concerns with the committee’s appointment process, which he felt may lead to the committee being labeled as a “rubber-stamp.” As part of the application process, Citizen Advisory Committee members will need to pass a background with no prior felony convictions.
“I understand the vetting process, but you’re gonna have criticism if someone is denied,” Byrd said. “There’s been criticism that these boards are a rubber-stamp. I’m just glad we’ve got something coming forward. Trust me. But I will say that if you don’t make sure everything is right, it’s really not going to accomplish anything.“
Mayor Wayne Poston defended Bevan’s recommendation, citing the months of research that went into researching other models across the state.
“There’s a lot of work gone into drafting this document from the chief, her staff and the people she’s talked to in the community,” Poston responded. “We under there’s going to be criticism. Rarely do you do anything in government that’s not criticized. We think we can take the heat.”
“I’m hopeful. I’m, in fact, so proud of this that I’m hopeful that this, to a degree, may become a model policy for some of the other agencies,” Bevan added.
The department is expected to finalize the committee’s guidelines early next week.
“There’s some urgency to get this done,” Poston said.
Bradenton’s city charter gives Poston the power to create new committees. He will also be in charge of appointing board members to two-year terms. Members of the Citizen Advisory Committee are unpaid and are limited to two consecutive terms.
Under the committee draft guidelines, each City Council member will recommend two or three names to the mayor. Poston will appoint two of his own members to the board and use the pool of council recommendations to choose who sits in the other five seats.
The introduction of the Citizen Advisory Committee means Bevan is making good on her promise to listen to community leaders in an effort to improve the department. At a Bradenton “One Love” March on June 7, Bevan said she was listening to concerns and working on a plan to address them.
“We can do better and we will do better,” Bevan said to a crowd of protesters. “We’re hearing you, and it’s going to make a difference in this community, and I so thankful to be a part of it.”
How will Bradenton’s Citizen Advisory Committee work?
Once established, the Citizen Advisory Committee will be required to meet at least four times a year, meeting on the last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. The board is tasked with reviewing alleged use of force, police action that results in death or serious injury and completed Internal Affairs investigations within 180 days.
The police chief may also direct the board to discuss certain issues. In addition, meetings will include time for public comment.
After reviewing and discussing information during the meeting, the committee will be responsible for submitting a written report that determines whether the matter at hand is consistent or inconsistent with the Bradenton Police Department’s policies.
According to the draft document, the Citizen Advisory Committee’s written report may include recommendations for additional information, policy revisions or additional training for police officers.
