Independent Community Policing Review Board Meeting – August 12, 2026

The Independent Community Policing Review Board (ICPRB) held its regular monthly meeting on August 12, 2026, at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center, Cafeteria, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, an executive closed session, review of the AIPA budget, identification of APD policies for review, an auditor update on ongoing investigations, and a NACOLE use-of-force training session. The board also discussed future meeting dates and conference attendance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Agenda: Motion by Member Lewis, seconded by Member Tamegue, passed unanimously.
• Approval of Minutes (June 29, 2026, and July 1, 2026): Motion by Secretary Berkey, seconded by Member Lewis, with an edit noting that Sterling Franklin was not present at those meetings. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made or submitted.

Executive Closed Session

• The board unanimously voted to convene in closed session pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) to discuss a personnel matter involving a specific public officer, appointee, or employee. After the closed session, the board voted unanimously to certify that only exempted matters were discussed.

Discussion Items

• Review of the AIPA Budget: Vice Chair Alexis Stackhouse reported on a meeting with the auditor and staff. The office returned 35% of its budget in FY24 and FY25, and 45% in FY26, with over $20,000 returned to the city over three years. NACOLE membership for the board was purchased. The auditor indicated that funds are available for at least three board members to attend the NACOLE conference (November 8–12 in Kentucky). A discussion ensued about sending all board members; the auditor agreed to calculate costs and provide a response. The board also considered using funds for community engagement.
• Identification and Prioritization of APD Policies for Board Review: Secretary Berkey initiated the discussion. Board members proposed reviewing the following policies:
  • Return of personal property to families (prompted by the Tucker case)
  • Hate crime and bias (new policy)
  • Licensed plate readers
  • Mental health
  • Use of force
• Auditor Update: The auditor provided updates on:
  • Tucker Investigation: City Council approved further investigation on four items raised by the board. The auditor acknowledged an error in recording the board's vote and will address all items. Legal determination on whether disciplinary recommendations can be made public is pending; if not, a legal citation will be provided.
  • May 18, 2026 Officer-Involved Shooting: The CERT investigation is complete and has been turned over to the Commonwealth's Attorney for a charging decision. The administrative investigation timeline will begin after that decision.
  • NACOLE Membership and Conference: Board membership is active. The auditor recommended sending three board members, but expressed willingness to consider all board members if funding allows.
  • Staffing: Management analyst Ashley transitioned to a contract role; a replacement will be hired by year-end. The auditor is hiring an investigator; a panel will interview top candidates, and the board will have input on final selections.
  • Open Cases: Three cases are pending due to difficulty contacting complainants; no commendations are outstanding.
• NACOLE Training: Use-of-Force Investigations: Jason Wechter conducted a virtual training session covering characteristics of good and deficient investigations, using the Johnson case study to illustrate investigative steps, evidence collection, and interview techniques. The board was encouraged to email follow-up questions.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Approval of agenda and minutes passed unanimously.
  • Motion to enter closed session and subsequent certification passed unanimously.
• Directives:
  • The auditor will provide a cost estimate for sending all board members to the NACOLE conference and will report back.
  • The board will review APD policies on property return, hate crime, license plate readers, mental health, and use of force. Secretary Berkey will compile the list.
  • The auditor will continue the Tucker investigation, incorporating all four items approved by Council, and provide an update at the September meeting.
• Next Steps:
  • The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (in-person). A motion to hold it virtually was withdrawn.
  • October 7 and November 4 meetings will include APD training and start at 6:00 PM.
  • Board members interested in attending the NACOLE conference are to confirm availability by August 19 (early-bird registration deadline).