Residents and officials engage in discussion at the Santa Ana Police Oversight Commission meeting.
Santa Ana has appointed T. Jack Morse as the first director of its Police Oversight Commission to enhance police accountability. This decision comes as discussions about proposed changes to the commission, which may limit its authority, are ongoing. The new proposals suggest restricting the commission’s investigation scope, causing concerns among stakeholders about police transparency and community relations. A public meeting is scheduled for July 10 to discuss these changes, which might impact the commission’s efficacy in overseeing police practices.
Santa Ana has made a significant step towards enhanced police accountability by appointing T. Jack Morse as the first director of its Police Oversight Commission. This appointment comes amidst discussions surrounding proposed changes that may limit the authority and reach of the commission, which was established in 2022 to increase transparency and oversight of police practices within the Santa Ana Police Department.
Morse brings extensive experience in civil rights, having previously worked with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Orange County Office of Independent Review. In addition to his oversight role, he serves as a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. His primary objectives include enhancing the effectiveness of policing practices and fostering better relationships between the police department and the communities it serves.
Since its establishment, the Police Oversight Commission has not yet conducted any investigations or implemented any policy changes. The recent proposed changes introduced by the City Council could further restrict the commission’s capabilities significantly. Under the new proposals, the commission would only be able to investigate in-custody deaths and instances where First Amendment rights are potentially affected. Complaints that fall outside of these parameters would be redirected to the Santa Ana Police Department’s chief. Moreover, the commission would be required to investigate only the complaints that have already been reviewed by the police department.
Another notable change in the proposed amendments involves altering the reporting structure for the director of the Police Oversight Commission, which would transition oversight from the City Council to the city manager. The city council asserts that these amendments are intended to align the commission’s operations with state laws and best practices regarding law enforcement accountability.
A meeting scheduled for July 15 will explore these proposed changes, prompting discussions among various stakeholders. There have been strong objections voiced against these amendments. Commissioner Carlos Perea has raised concerns that the proposals could undermine the commission’s authority and integrity. Similarly, Bulmaro Vicente from Chispa expressed dismay that such changes could reverse the progress made in community policing oversight. Advocates, such as Sergio Perez from the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, emphasized that the proposed modifications could detract from the commission’s ability to provide effective transparency and accountability.
Further discussion regarding the commission will take place at its next public meeting on July 10, which will be available for the public to view via livestream on the city’s YouTube channel. However, the commission has faced scrutiny for its lack of substantive action since its inception. Complaints from the public, which began to be collected through an activated portal in March 2024, have raised issues of independence, given that prior cases were managed by the Police Department due to the absence of a director.
Additionally, the time constraints imposed by California state law, which mandates that misconduct allegations be investigated within one year, present challenges for the commission in addressing complaints effectively. The delay in appointing a director has caused frustration among commissioners and the community, as it has stymied the oversight process related to police misconduct allegations.
The City Council’s recruitment for the director position attracted five responses, yet the interview process has been slow, raising concerns among council members regarding the need for transparency and accountability in police actions. As Santa Ana moves forward, the ongoing discussions will be pivotal in determining the direction and effectiveness of the Police Oversight Commission.
Santa Ana City Council to Vote on Police Oversight Director Appointment
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