Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 4-15-16 Edition

Feature
Citizens Review Board Representatives Say They Are Just Getting Started
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
With growing displeasure coming from citizens about the way law enforcement op- erates, it was suggested that a Citizens Review Board be established to allow civilians an opportunity to have a voice in some cases.
When Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced the creation of the independent panel, it was supposed to re- view cases and issues related to the Tampa Police Depart- ment and provide feedback and recommendations to Police Chief Eric Ward.
After much debate over the makeup of the Board, and a strained relationship between the Mayor and the Council, it was decided the Board would consist of 11 members, two of them serv- ing as alternates. They would review cases involv- ing use of force and other cases that resulted in inter- nal investigations, as well as issues of importance to the community and the police department.
Term limits were set, and after it was decided that the
Mayor would select five members and two alter- nates, and the Council would select four members, the Board was put into place.
Since the Board was es- tablished last year, the con- troversy over its lack of subpoena power and other structural suggestions has kept it in the news.
Some Board members were asked to give their opinions on how they think the process is going, and how they’ve dealt with all the controversy.
Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Banks: “I think it’s going to be a great group. Having worked in government a number of years, I think it’s fine for the Mayor to make the appointments as the city’s CEO. He made himself accountable, and the buck stops at his desk.”
Dr. Carolyn Collins: “We made a decision during our training that I’m having second thoughts about. At that time, I didn’t anticipate the controversy.
“We need to have some level of control especially when it’s time to make a
REV. DR. BARTHOLOMEW BANKS
statement to the media. I think that should be the re- sponsibility of the Board Chair, Rasheed Ali Aquil.
“My concern is contro- versy can be good on any issue, but first find out what we’re doing before stirring up issues. Other areas have had these kind of boards for years, and are just now ask- ing for subpoena power. I think the Board should be allowed to function first, then make changes later if they are appropriate. We can add on later, but we need to become operational first.”
DR. CAROLYN COLLINS
Dr. Collins said before this Board, we had nothing and she suggests getting this one working before conver- sations of adding more is en- tertained.
“Keep in mind, a review board isn’t going to stop things from happening.”
Review Board Chair, Rasheed Ali Aquil, said the Board is still in the be- ginning stages, and he’s very optimistic about its future.
“The creation of the Board in itself is a great accom- plishment. I know there will be some changes in the fu- ture.
“I’ve been eyeballing the controversial issues, but I’m more focused on my respon- sibilities, and making sure this Board works. I think the complaints are necessary to make sure things are being done right. I welcome all opinions.”
Aquil said he’s looking forward to working with his colleagues, and moving for- ward on behalf of the com- munity.
“No one is in a position to
RASHEED ALI AQUIL
point fingers, and we just have to work together. I like being a part of this Board, and after the training ses- sion, I think it reflects the community and is diverse. We will be looking into more than just the issues that con- cern the African American community.”
Aquil said he’s a very pa- tient man and the Board may not be perfect now, but he believes they are moving in the right direction.
“A lot of work needs to be done. I just want people to give us the opportunity to do our job.
“I’d really like to see more citizens attending our meet- ings so their voices can be heard. We need to hear their concerns so we can operate better as a Board. We want the people to guide us to what they want to see ac- complished. We need to ap- plaud the work that’s been done so far.”
The Citizens Review Board meets every 4th Tues- day at City Hall in Down- town Tampa, at 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 3-A