Sacramento Community Police Review Commission Meeting - August 12, 2019

Meeting Overview

The Sacramento Community Police Review Commission met on Monday, August 12, 2019, at 6:14 p.m. in City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting included a presentation on racial profiling data collection practices, ad hoc committee updates, and public comments. The consent calendar item was not approved due to an abstention.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Approval of Meeting Minutes (July 16 and July 23, 2019): A motion to approve was made and seconded. Commissioner Falcon abstained, stating they had not had an opportunity to review the minutes. The motion did not pass, and the minutes were deferred to a future meeting.

Discussion Items

• Sacramento Police Department Presentation on Racial Profiling Data Collection Practices: Deputy Chief delivered an oral report. Key points included: the department has collected vehicle stop data since 2000 (23 data points); Assembly Bill 953 (Racial and Identity Profiling Act) mandated 37 data points from the California Department of Justice plus 7 department-specific points (total 44). Data collection began January 1, 2019, averaging over 5,000 detentions per month. Complaints alleging profiling were previously categorized under the broader “discrimination” category, but as of August 1, 2019, profiling is a standalone allegation based on DOJ definition. The department also eliminated the “inquiry” classification, now using “division investigations” with standard dispositions. Officers record their perception of demographics at first contact. Questions from commissioners addressed data trends, training on perception, and access to historical raw data. It was noted that raw data prior to 2016 is not publicly accessible.
• Ad Hoc Committee Updates:
  • Body Worn Camera Ad Hoc: The committee held two community meetings and two additional meetings are planned. Draft recommendations are pending further community input and literature review.
  • Use of Force Ad Hoc: No update.
  • Mental Health Ad Hoc: Commissioner Guerrero reported on a community meeting at the Hagginwood Center, noting detailed discussions on mental health calls. The committee is seeking data on arrests and post-arrest transitions, particularly 5150 holds. A meeting with Captain Monk is planned to discuss data access and coordination with the Sheriff’s Department. Approximately 15% of all police calls for service are considered mental health-related.
• Police Department Staff Update: Deputy Chief expressed condolences for Officer Sullivan, who was killed in the line of duty, and highlighted community support. He noted that Sacramento PD has been collecting racial profiling data since 2001, ahead of the state mandate.
• Commissioner Comments: A commissioner raised concerns about public records request challenges, referencing an email from a community member. Another commissioner expressed interest in presenting commission recommendations at community forums.

Public Comments

• Mr. Savala spoke on behalf of a local business owner frustrated with the process for requesting public records from the police department. He described receiving automated responses via a portal without a designated point of contact, leading to delays (e.g., a request promised documents by July 21 but then extended to August 21). Deputy Chief acknowledged the issue and offered to serve as a contact.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar minutes not approved; will be brought back at a future meeting.
• The Police Department presentation on racial profiling data collection was received and filed.
• Body Worn Camera Ad Hoc will continue community meetings before issuing draft recommendations.
• Mental Health Ad Hoc will meet with Captain Monk to explore data collection on mental health calls and arrests.
• Deputy Chief offered to assist with public records inquiries going forward.
• Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.