City Council Considers Giving Citizens Review Board More Power

CHARLOTTE, NC — Lawmakers and city advocates are pushing the Charlotte City Council to give the Citizens Review Board more power to hold police accountable.

Monday, council heard from family members of people police officers killed in the past five years.

“Something has to change,” said Paris Hopkins. “We can’t only depend on the police department to investigate our situations.”

officerD office shot and killed Hopkins’ cousin, Janisha Fonville, in 2015. Police say Fonville was armed with a knife.

Hopkins joined the Charlotte NAACP and SAFE Coalition NC to ask the council to give the review board the power to interview witnesses and recommend police punishment.

“We realize there are some good cops,” Said Charlotte NAACP President Corine Mack. “There are also some bad cops, and our responsibility as citizens is to make sure those bad cops are not only exposed but removed from the force.”

Right now, the Citizens Review Board hears complaints against police and reports its findings to the CMPD Chief and city leaders.

To make a change, council would need help from state lawmakers.

“I feel like it would be a great first step toward building more public trust,” said Rep. Rodney Moore, (D) District 99.

Rep. Moore says he will re-introduce HB 193. That would give the review board subpoena power.

“I’m favorable toward that as well.” said Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts. “I think we want to make sure we are asking it in the right way that legally is correct.”

Mayor Roberts says the Community Safety Committee will look at how to legally add the change to next year’s legislative agenda.