Change the Charter!

Mesa City Charter Current Language

ARTICLE V - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Section 501: BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (A) CREATION. The Council may by ordinance create such advisory boards or commissions as in its judgment are required or as now are provided by law and may grant to them such powers and duties as are consistent with this Charter. The Council may abolish any board or commission not required by law or by Charter. A civilian Police Review Board is prohibited by this Charter.

Mesa City Charter Proposed Language

ARTICLE V - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Section 501: BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (A) CREATION. The Council may by ordinance create such advisory boards or commissions as in its judgment are required or as now are provided by law and may grant to them such powers and duties as are consistent with this Charter. The Council may abolish any board or commission not required by law or by Charter. A civilian Police Review Board is (NOT) prohibited by this Charter.

The change would be the addition of one word.

Complainants are given a place to voice concerns outside of the law enforcement agency.

Oversight can help hold the police department accountable for officer’s actions.

Oversight agencies can help improve the quality of the department’s internal investigations of alleged misconduct.

The community at large can be reassured that discipline is being imposed when appropriate, while also increasing the transparency of the disciplinary process.

Help us change the Charter!