Cedar Rapids Citizen Review Board launches ‘Idea Wall’ to gather input from residents

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Citizen Review Board is seeking input from city residents to help guide its work.

The panel on Wednesday launched a public “Idea Wall.” Community members can respond to rotating questions and view comments as they are shared on the board’s online page at cedar-rapids.org/CRB.

Input will help the board understand the community's perspectives regarding the Cedar Rapids Police Department, as well as prioritize focus areas for the panel’s long-term plan, according to a news release.

The first question is, “One of the duties of the Citizen Review Board is to review policies and procedures of the Cedar Rapids Police Department and make recommendations. As the CRB makes recommendations to the CRPD, what is the best way to share that with the public?”

Questions on the virtual wall will rotate every two weeks throughout April and May.

The nine-member board looks to ensure fair and professional law enforcement that is constitutional, effective and responsive to the community members served.

Board members are Star Smith, chairwoman, and Aaron Eddy, Arthur Kim, Dedric Doolin, India Snow-Watt, Monica Vallejo, Stephanie Messer, Allonda Pierce and Tim Countryman.

The board formed last year in response to racial justice advocates’ demands for stronger oversight of local law enforcement after George Floyd’s 2020 murder by Minneapolis police.

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