Toward fostering greater understanding

By Karl Cassell

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Though I was a member of the panel representing the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, my role as a citizen was the critical component during the June 4 forum on Racial vs. Criminal Profiling by local law enforcement agencies.

The panel included law enforcement from the cities of Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion and the Linn County Sheriff's Office. The discussion brought insight into citizens' issues and law enforcements' challenges, and fostered a dialogue that has been avoided and long overdue.

Residents were very vocal - especially those who have maintained a feeling of victimization via unwarranted harassment by local law enforcement.

One very eye-opening revelation: The perception that racial profiling happens to criminals is a myth, according to many of those present. Harassment is happening to some whom the police “assume” are criminals based on their race. So, it is not crime fighting that African-American citizens are opposed to, but blatant harassment and profiling of innocent citizens based solely on skin color. This causes mistrust among citizens and increases the sense of vulnerability.

So when these same citizens are encouraged to file a complaint against the same department that they believe are harassing them, there exists serious apprehension.

This is the perfect time to be forward thinking and practice innovation in order to form lasting relationships.

A standout suggestion was made to have a citizen review board. Many U.S. communities have adopted a level of oversight - the closest community to us being Iowa City, and two of similar sizes in Berkeley, Calif., and Flint, Mich. No one system works for each community, but tailoring a system for Cedar Rapids could be unique and fair. It would be to the advantage of all to be a part of a larger structure of external and internal enforcement accountability.

America has three branches of government that are accountable to each other and citizens. Why not elect or select a group of citizens who would be responsible for holding our law enforcement agencies and personnel accountable? It would build trust and help eradicate any schetomas (blind spots) that might exist. This is a suggestion that should be taken seriously.

There are specific concerns and responses to those concerns that need to be addressed. Citizens would in no way interfere in police work, but would serve in an advisory role to reassure skeptical citizens that the department is operating with integrity. It would also give insight to those who believe the citizens would be biased or that the system operates unfairly.

What would be the overall effect of a citizen review board? Simply put, validation for complainants, gratification for those to properly address officers, and satisfaction that the process is holding departments accountable. For police, it would improve community relations, public understanding of their work and promoting the goals of community policing.

Citizens' voices must be heard, and all have the right to be protected under the law. Law enforcement officers must be free to conduct themselves appropriately and be free of any suspicion of wrong doing.

Karl Cassell is executive director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission (www.cedar-rapids.org/civilrights). Comments: k.cassell@cedar-rapids.org.