San Leandro Community Police Review Board Meeting – September 24, 2026

The San Leandro Community Police Review Board (CPRB) convened on September 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included police department and independent police auditor reports, a training on Fourth Amendment policing, and substantive debate over the board's access to expert testimony. The board voted to form an ad hoc committee to further review the San Leandro Police Department's use of Flock safety (ALPR) services.

Consent Calendar

Minutes of July 15, 2026: Approved by a vote of 5-0-1 (one board member abstained; one member was absent).

Police Department Report

• Assistant Chief Torres reported that the department sent its response to the crowd control subcommittee, plans to increase crowd control training to twice a year, and will submit updated use of force and pursuit policies.
• FLOCK/NICRIC Data Sharing Clarification: Assistant Chief Torres explained that while SLPD removed NICRIC's direct sharing relationship, an IPA audit revealed that NICRIC could still query San Leandro detections through a separate “California State Lookup” feature. No misuse of queries was identified. Torres stated the department does not intend to disable participation in the state lookup, as it provides reciprocal investigative value.

Pursuit Update: SLPD provided an armored rescue vehicle at the request of the sheriff’s office for an incident on I-580 but was not involved in the pursuit itself.

Independent Police Auditor (IPA) Report

• Jeff Schlinger presented IPA monthly reports for July and August 2026.
• July Statistics: 8 use of force incidents (down 20% from June); 3 vehicle pursuits; 4 complaints. The median case review turnaround was 3.5 days, but the average referral time from SLPD was approximately 40 days. One corrective action was recommended involving supervisory review of a use of force.
• August Statistics: 11 use of force incidents (up 38% from July); 2 pursuits; 2 complaints (down 50%); 301 RIPA data collection forms completed (up 45% from July).
• Flock Audit Discussion: In response to board members' requests, the IPA agreed to include a section for Flock-related “lowlights” or expressly state if none exist, and to add a direct link to the SLPD transparency portal in future reports. Board members also requested clarification on whether Flock success metrics were double-counted.

Presentation: Policing and the 4th Amendment

• Jeff Schlinger delivered a training on the constitutional ladder of police encounters: consensual encounters, Terry stops, pat-down frisks, arrests, and searches. He emphasized that each rung requires its own distinct justification, and that common failures stem from failure to articulate specific facts rather than relying on generalities like “officer safety” or “high crime area.”

Public Comments

• Mike Katzakabe expressed strong opposition to the City’s legal position barring advocacy-group presentations, and argued the IPA’s Flock reporting was partial. He stated that media reports indicate Flock cameras can detect people and track movement, contradicting claims on the transparency portal. He questioned the security of keeping the California State Lookup enabled.
• Douglas Spaulding stated that Flock has “lost our confidence” and questioned why the board is not actively seeking alternatives to Flock. He also expressed concern about the prolonged absence of Chief Avery.

Discussion Items

• Request for EFF Presentation / ALPR Ad Hoc Committee: The board debated the City Attorney’s memo barring presentations by “advocacy groups.” Chair Bailey read a prepared statement strongly opposing the restriction as “overkill” and “unreasonably restrictive.” Board member Tim read an email from EFF attorney Sarah Hamid objecting to the City’s legal reasoning. A motion was made to create an ad hoc committee to further review SLPD’s use of Flock services, with the understanding it can obtain information from groups like the EFF.
• Formation of Administrative Procedures Ad Hoc Committee: The board initiated a review of its administrative procedures to account for recent ordinance changes and accumulated operational experience.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Minutes approved (5-0-1).
  • Motion to form the ALPR/Flock ad hoc committee passed (6-0).
  • Brown Act emergency procedures item continued to the next meeting (unanimous).
• Directives:
  • IPA to restructure Flock audit reports to include lowlights or an explicit “none.”
  • IPA to include a direct link to the SLPD transparency portal in future reports.
• Appointments:
  • ALPR/Flock Ad Hoc Committee: Board members Jenny, David Jackson, and Joseph (Chair Bailey also volunteered).
  • Administrative Procedures Ad Hoc Committee: Board members Saida and Chair Bailey (pending availability of Keith).
• Next Steps:
  • The ALPR ad hoc committee will begin gathering information, potentially including a presentation from the EFF.
  • The Brown Act emergency agenda item will be taken up at the October meeting.
  • The board will consider a motion to authorize the Chair to vote at the NACO conference at the next meeting.