Sacramento Community Police Review Commission Meeting – May 13, 2019

The Sacramento Community Police Review Commission met on May 13, 2019, at 6:01 PM, adjourning at 6:52 PM. The meeting featured a presentation from the Sacramento Police Officers Association (SPOA) President, updates from ad hoc committees, and administrative reports. No formal votes were taken; all items were received and filed. The commission discussed use of force policies, officer retention, and future community forums.

Sacramento Police Officers Association (SPOA) Presentation

• Tim Davis, President of the SPOA and a 20-year Sacramento police officer, provided an overview of the union's role, including collective bargaining, contract enforcement, member services (legal defense fund, insurance, events), and the 1849 Foundation charity. He noted that the SPOA has 100% voluntary membership among police officers, even after the Janus decision.
• Davis stated that the Sacramento Police Department has between 60 and 70 vacant officer positions and is about 300-400 officers below recommended staffing for a city of over 500,000 residents. He attributed retention difficulties to the "climate in the city of Sacramento," including negative media coverage and political rhetoric, as well as higher pay and lower crime rates in suburban departments.
• On discipline, Davis described the process: internal affairs investigation, chain of command review, Skelly hearing, and binding arbitration. He emphasized that the SPOA does not want bad officers and has helped negotiate the exit of problematic employees.
• Regarding the attorney general's report, Davis said it found department policies "outstanding" and that the department was already implementing minor changes.
• In response to commissioner questions, Davis discussed the legal defense fund (covering on-duty incidents only), and expressed opposition to Assembly Bill 392 (which would change the use of force standard to "necessary"), arguing it is unconstitutional and would not prevent shootings. He supported Senate Bill 230 as a better approach through training and policy.
• Commissioner Zamora noted that the commission had previously voted to support SB 392 and disagreed with Davis's characterization. Commissioner Guerrero asked about diversity and retention; Davis mentioned that the union had proposed and the city accepted a first-time homebuyer bonus for officers to live in Sacramento.

Use of Force Ad Hoc Committee Update

• Commissioner Guerrero reported that the ad hoc committee met and is focusing on four policy areas: foot pursuit, medical assistance, cover distance and time tactics, and investigation and reporting. They are reviewing policies from San Francisco and Seattle.
• The committee has an initial recommendation on rendering aid that will be drafted and shared.
• They plan to hold two community forums in July (one in north Sacramento, one in south) to gather input on recommendations before finalizing.
• The committee requested that the Sacramento Police Department inform them of policy changes being considered, especially regarding the use of Lexipol, a policy service that some partner organizations have concerns about.

Body Worn Camera Ad Hoc Committee Update

• No update was provided. The chair stated "No update."

Chair's Update

• Chair Savage-Sangwan reported that the commission's use of force recommendation was presented to the mayor and city council in March. A meeting with relevant parties (city attorney, city manager, SPOA) has been requested but not yet scheduled. Staff will follow up.
• She noted that a new commissioner has been appointed but was not present, and another is expected soon.

Government Ethics and Transparency Administrator Update

• Kevin Greene, Government Ethics and Transparency Administrator, reported on his attendance at three civilian oversight forums in the Bay Area, covering oversight in correctional facilities, SB 1421 implementation, and best practices.
• He clarified the process for commissioners to get items on the agenda: requests must be made during commissioner comments, then staff will work with the requester, chair, and vice chair to ensure it fits the commission's scope. He acknowledged that not all requests may be placed due to resource constraints, but he will follow up with the requester.
• He is developing a standardized board and commission policy and invited input from commissioners.
• Future presentations in August: police department on data collection practices and on crowd control manuals related to use of force.

Public Comments

• No public comments were made. One speaker slip was submitted but not used.

Commissioner Comments and Future Agenda Items

• Commissioner Carter requested a written summary of the agenda-setting process.
• Commissioner Guerrero requested an update on SB 1421 compliance at the next meeting.
• Chair Savage-Sangwan requested an update from the Sacramento Police Department on implementation of the attorney general's recommendations.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2019, with two community forums in July.