Everyone can play a role right now in creating real, organized, and systemic change by asking the County Commission and Mayor George McGill to implement, fully fund and support civilian oversight of Sebastian County sheriffs department and the Fort Smith Police Department, by signing this petition.

Clearly, now is the time to urge the mayor to stand by his word and to help usher in a proactive measure that will help eliminate officer misconduct in our communities. There is a coalition of 16 community leaders unified by this common goal of ensuring civilian oversight is available to all Sebastian County residents. But, it’s important not to have "the good ole boys" in charge of the cases against fellow “good ole boys!” We need effective oversight that is independent and possess the tools necessary to be effective. Below are the elements that effective oversight in Sebastian County demands:

• 13 panel members, chosen from  all County districts after vetting by a nominating committee, plus one non-voting police representative;

• professional staff, trained in police procedures, with independent director and independent legal counsel;

• secure, adequate funding;

• subpoena power, in accordance with law;

• available for use/participation by all municipalities in the County;

• authorized to investigate complaints against police and review internal affairs decisions;

• authorized to conduct alternative dispute resolution to allow complainants and officers to resolve complaints outside the disciplinary process;

• authorized to study, review and report on police policies, procedures and patterns of behavior. 

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Please sign and pass on,

-The Future Fort Smith