Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ENACT Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, CREATING A POLICE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REVIEW BOARD; CREATING SECTION 18-7 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES (“CODE”); AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by Mayor Dale V.C. Holness)
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Why Action is Necessary
A Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish notice of public hearing to consider enactment of the Ordinance is being considered by the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of September 10, 2020.
What Action Accomplishes
Amends the Broward County Code of Ordinances to create a Police and Criminal Justice Review Board.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
This item supports the Board Goal to “Collaborate with public and private partners to find creative, equitable, and responsible solutions to systemic community problems.”
On June 16, 2020, the Board directed the Office of the County Attorney to study the legal feasibility of establishing a civilian board to review allegations of police misconduct and use of force. Florida statutes and case law provide for internal review of alleged police misconduct by the officer’s employer. However, a County board may review completed police disciplinary investigations and other information for purposes other than officer discipline-such as to increase transparency or to encourage better policing policies. The proposed Ordinance would create a Broward County Police and Criminal Justice Review Board that would gather data on police use of force and alleged misconduct, publish data and reports, identify issues that could be addressed through policy changes, and make recommendations. The Police and Criminal Justice Review Board could also study other issues related to bias in the criminal justice system in Broward County.
Source of Additional Information
Adam Katzman, Senior Assistant Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Fiscal Impact Statement by the Office of Management and Budget is attached as Exhibit 2.