HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-25-1998 Communication POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5413
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
Iowa City Police Department
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240
Dear Chief Winkelhake:
Please advise the Police Citizens Review Board what information is currently
compiled by the department with regard to traffic stops. Are the following
categories of information collected? Is any other information collected?
· Number of individuals stopped;
· Date, time and location of stops;
· Approximate age and race of the driver of the vehicle stopped;
· Approximate age and race of passengers in the vehicle;
· Traffic infraction alleged that led to the stop;
Whether a warning or citation was issued as a result of the stop;
Whether a search was conducted as a result of the stop;
· If so, the basis for the search;
· If so, the results of the search. Was contraband discovered? If so,
what?
· Whether an arrest was made as a result of the stop or the search.
Which categories of data, if any, are collected for stops that result in a
citation? Which categories of data, if any, are collected for stops that result
in a warning? Which categories of data, if any, are collected for stops that
result in no formal action on the part of the Department?
In addition, we would like to receive any and all written or oral policies,
directives, orders, instructions, training materials, or other relevant
information relating to the conduct of traffic stops. This request relates both
to policies and other information regarding traffic stops generally and to
R. H. Winkelhake
August 21, 1998
Page 2
policies regarding traffic stops in any particular area or neighborhood or
during any particular time period.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Paul Hoffey, Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
cc: PCRB ~'
Draft 8/20/98
Space for intake stamp
Other office information
City of Iowa City
Police Citizen Review Board Citizen Complaint
Filing a Complaint
Use this form to file a complaint with the Iowa City Police Citizen Review Board
(PCRB). File your complaint in the office of the City Clerk or at the Iowa City Police
Department, both located in the Civic Center, 410 East Washington Street, Iowa City.
You must file your complaint within 60 days of the incident you are complaining
about. If you don't file within 60 days, the PCRB will not be able to review the
investigation of your complaint.
What Happens Next
A copy of your complaint will be sent to the Police Chief, who will investigate the
police conduct you describe. (If your complaint is about the Chief, the City Manager
will conduct the investigation.) To assist the Police Department in the investigation,
you may be asked to provide additional information and/or be interviewed.
If you wish, you may be accompanied by a person of your choosing during all
interviews. After receiving the Chief's report on the investigation of your
complaint, the PCRB may also request additional information from you or the
Police Department.
Withdrawing Your Complaint
You may withdraw your complaint at any time, by submitting to the PCRB a
written, signed, dated notice of withdrawal.
Formal Mediation and Informal Discussions
Formal mediation is an option at any time during the investigation of your
complaint, provided you and the officers named in your complaint agree to
mediate. If you wish, you may also meet informally with the police officers and
their ~ co~mand~ at any point in the investigation process.
Confidentiality/Public Information
Although the PCRB conducts reviews of reports on complaints confidentially, it is a
public agency and, as such, its records and files, including your complaint form, are
or may become public information.
About the Iowa City Police Citizen Review Board
Established in 1997, the Iowa City Police Citizen Review Board consists of five
members appointed by the City Council. The PCRB has its own secretary and legal
counsel. The PCRB has only limited civil administrative review powers and has no
power or authority over criminal matters or police discipline. It is not a court of law
and is not intended to substitute for any form of legal action against the Police
Department or the City.
The Complaint Review Process
· The PCRB receives a completed citizen complaint form and immediately forwards
a copy to the Police Chief for internal affairs investigation. The Chief completes the
investigation within 30 days and issues a detailed written report that concludes with
a finding that the complaint is "sustained" or "not sustained." The PCRB may
extend the 30-day limit, upon written request.
· Copies of the report are sent to the PCRB and to the complainant, the police
officers, and the City Manager.
· Within 30 days of receipt, the PCRB reviews the Chief's report and may conduct
additional investigation or request that the Chief do so. The Board issues a written
report that contains detailed findings of fact and a conclusion that explains why and
the extent to which the complaint should be "sustained" or "not sustained." The
City Council may extend the 30-day limit, upon written request.
Copies of the PCRB's report on the Chief's investigation are sent to the complainant,
the police officers, the City Manager, and the City Council.
· The PCRB may recommend that the Chief reverse his findings if it determines
that they are unsupported by substantial evidence; are unreasonable, arbitrary, or
capricious; or are contrary to Police Department policy or practice, or any federal/
state, or local law.
Other PCRB Activities and Responsibilities
The PCRB may:
· Hold public forums and other projects designed to encourage citizens to provide
information, recommendations, and opinions about police policies and practices.
· Review police policies and practices and recommend modifications.
8/98
Iowa City PCRB · Citizen Complaint
Name
Address/other contact information
Telephone
Date of birth Race Gender
Date the incident took place
Describe the incident you are complaining about. Give as many details as possible.
For example: Where did it happen? Who else was there?
Describe the specific police actions you are complaining about. Give officers' names,
badge numbers, descriptions.
I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge, and under penalty of penury, the
statements I l~ave made on this form are true.
Signature Date
8/98