Editorial: Citizen review board progress encouraging

Sunday, Feb. 28, 1999 | 9:35 a.m.

One of the most contentious issues is who will -- or will not -- be allowed to serve on the board. Herrera correctly argues that objectivity is critical in ensuring public confidence. So he agreed with the advisory committee that former Metro Police officers and their families should be excluded from the board. And Herrera believes that anyone who has ever had a felony conviction should be disqualified from serving.

When the commission writes the final language for the ordinance, it should require potential appointees to undergo criminal background checks (which would be the same as is now done for casino employees who need a work card). A misdemeanor conviction shouldn't automatically preclude an appointment, but this would give the Metro Fiscal Affairs Committee sufficient information before it makes an appointment to a board that should require high standards for membership. The commission should also consider requiring that new review board members attend Metro's citizens police academy, which is a layman's introduction to what police work involves.

As the county commission goes forward it needs to remember the importance of delivering fairness for competing interests -- whether it is giving a voice to those who have been the victims of police misconduct or ensuring the rights of the officers to get a fair hearing. So far, at least, prospects seem promising that a citizen police review board can be created that will foster public trust.