Civilian Oversight Board

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

• Reginald Alexander, Member
• Jillisa Bondurant, Member
• Sonji Collins, Member
• Earl Curry, Member
• Bill Hatfield, Member
• Jonathan Medina, Member
• Aaron Vaiden, Member

Overview

On January 2022, the Rockford City Council approved the creation of a Civilian Oversight Board. The board, which will be made up of seven Rockford residents reflective of our community, will review the completed internal investigation of citizen complaints and certain use of force incidents. The board will be tasked with working with the Rockford Police Department, the Mayor, and City Council to identify areas for improvement and offer solutions in order to continue building trust between the police department and the community.

View the Civilian Oversight Board Ordinance (PDF)

Duties of the Board

• Timely review of the completed internal investigation of all citizen complaints and use of force incidents above a Force Level 4 as defined in the department's General Order 1.16.
• The purpose of the board's review is to determine whether the investigation was complete, thorough, objective, and fair and whether the outcome was appropriate, based on the following criteria:
  • The thoroughness of the investigation
  • The extent to which witnesses or persons are known to have information, knowledge, or evidence pertaining to the allegation(s) or incident were contacted or interviewed
  • The extent to which appropriate interviews were conducted with a complainant, witnesses, involved officers or employees, and any other persons having knowledge relating to the incident
  • The process of seeking, collecting, and maintaining evidence pertaining to the investigation; and
  • The appropriateness of discipline, if applicable
• The board will have access to pertinent records in order to complete its review with appropriate redactions to protect privacy and confidentiality.
• The board shall provide a written report summarizing its findings as to each investigation.
• The board shall conduct deliberations as allowed by the Open Meetings Act, including convening into closed sessions where appropriate.
• Receive citizen complaints as to allegations of misconduct by members of the department and refer the same to the department's Office of Professional
• Monitor the processing of all citizen complaints through timely updates on case status and outcomes from the Office of Professional Standards.