CHARLOTTE, NC — A complete overhaul to Charlotte’s Citizens Review Board is pretty much a done deal.
Local civil rights activists say they’re happy with changes that crack down on holding police accountable in cases of excessive force, brutality, unlawful arrests, and more.
In 16 years, the board has never found an officer at fault. The tipping point for local activists was the September shooting death of unarmed 24-year-old Jonathan Ferrell.
“We believe Police have a responsibility to uphold their duties and protect and serve. We should not have children killed, especially if they’re not armed,” said Corine Mack, community organizer for the Charlotte NAACP.
Three major changes are in store. The first change: the board will now have access to something the general public will never see—CMPD’s internal affairs reports.
“The board will now have all the facts in front of them to make the most educated, well-informed decision,” said Matt Newton, with Citizens Review Board Reform Now.
The second change: it will be easier to hold the police chief accountable. Instead of having to prove abuse of power, the board will only have to prove the chief made a mistake.
“It’s creating more of a balanced playing field for citizens. There will be more hearings heard, there will be more opportunity for the board to make the right decision, more transparency,” said Newton.
The third biggest change: people now have 30 days, instead of 7, to file a complaint against an officer.
For those fighting for justice, the changes are a meet in the middle, not a win.
“This is a small victory, but the hurt never ends because this is a systematic problem,” said Mack.
The one thing civil rights activists are not getting is subpoena power. They want the review board to have the authority to conduct independent investigations. But that decision is up to state lawmakers.
