Toward building trust, understanding

By The Gazette Editorial Board

----

How people perceive you has a lot to do with how they relate to you. So in some ways, it doesn't much matter if Cedar Rapids police do little or no racial profiling - if the perception of unfair treatment is pervasive among minority residents, it's still a problem that must be addressed.

If not, mistrust and misunderstandings will continue to plague some Cedar Rapids neighborhoods.

Several African-American residents at a June 4 forum about racial profiling vs. criminal profiling complained that Cedar Rapids officers treat them differently when they stop cars, investigate complaints or make arrests.

Cedar Rapids Police Chief Greg Graham has clearly said his department doesn't use or condone racial profiling. Unfortunately, when relationships are frayed, words and policies may not be enough.

We think Cedar Rapids should consider creating a community citizens review board to review complaints against the police department and its officers, offer suggestions for improving policy and procedure and help build bridges between police and residents.

Similar boards have helped rebuild trust between police and community members in several major cities across the nation, and in places like Iowa City, which established a citizens review panel in 1997, after an Iowa City police officer shot and killed Eric Shaw inside his business.

The board has since been added to the city's home rule charter - making it a more permanent fixture in city government.

The five-member, volunteer board has limited administrative review powers - board members cannot conduct internal affairs investigations or discipline officers. It's not intended to undermine police authority, and shouldn't.

But the board does handle citizen complaints and review the results of those investigations for errors or omissions. Forums give residents a chance to ask questions and voice concerns. The board reviews police policies and procedures and recommends changes where appropriate. Members work to build trust and ensure fairness and consistency.

In 2003, for example, the Iowa City board reviewed police procedure after a high-profile incident in which police maced an Iowa City man who did not comply with an officer's requests during a traffic stop. In that review, they advised the Police Department to clarify its methods of dealing with uncooperative motorists.

In many other cases, the board has found no mistake on the part of officer or lack in procedure. As we'd expect. Even then, the reviews and reports help build relationships and understanding.

Similarly, a Cedar Rapids board could act as citizen advocate and liaison with police.

n Comments: thegazette.com/

category/opinion/editorial or

editorial@sourcemedia.net