HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 Community Police Review Board Annual Report Filed in Clerk's Office
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Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
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Table of Contents
. A Word From The Director
. Executive Summary
I. Organizational Summary
II. Complaint Statistics and Analysis
III. Policy Recommendations
IV. Community Engagement
V. Budget and Resources
VI. Goals and Objectives
VII. Conclusion
VIII. Appendices
CPRB Annual Report Page 1
w1 1 FOREWORD
...,.: FROM THE
DIRECTOR
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Distinguished Officials, Esteemed Members of the Public, and Respected Leaders,
It is with profound commitment and a sense of responsibility that I present the 2024 Annual Report of
the Community Police Review Board (CPRB).This report embodies our foundational efforts to
establish a transparent, accountable, and collaborative framework for civilian oversight of the South
Bend Police Department. The imperative drove our Board's inception to fortify public trust and ensure
equitable policing practices, a mission we are steadfast in advancing.
The CPRB achieved several critical milestones in 2024, including establishing an online complaint and
commendation portal, enhanced community outreach initiatives, and onboarding inaugural board
members who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to this vital oversight function. These efforts
signify our unwavering commitment to fostering mutual trust between the community and law
enforcement.
As we continue operationalizing the Board's mandate, we prioritize rigorous training, data-driven
analysis, and meaningful engagement with stakeholders at every level.These pillars form the bedrock
of our approach to addressing systemic challenges, promoting fairness, and enhancing accountability
within law enforcement.
With the groundwork laid, we look forward to 2025 as a year of expanded oversight, robust policy
recommendations, and impactful collaboration with the City of South Bend's leadership and
community members.This report delineates our activities, challenges, and aspirations, setting a clear
trajectory for the transformative work ahead.
With respect and determination,
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Pastor Charles L. King III w ~~
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Executive Summary
The 2024 Annual Report of the Community Police Review Board offers a comprehensive overview of
the Board's foundational year. Charged with the critical role of enhancing police accountability and
community trust, the CPRB has achieved the following key milestones:
Complaint and Commendation System: Implementing an online portal to streamline feedback and
ensure timely responses.
Training and Development: Completing over two hundred combined hours of training for Board members, en-
compassing conflict resolution,
Community Engagement: Organizing four public meetings, the launching of multilingual outreach
campaigns, and media engaging with the media to amplify public awareness.
Policy Framework Development: Initial groundwork for analyzing police practices,focusing on deliv-
ering actionable recommendations to improve transparency and accountability.
Total Complaints Received 16
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- Cases Resolved 0
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Policy Recommendations Made 0
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Training Hours Completed 226
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Executive Summary
Objectives for 2025
1. Establish robust case review mechanisms and implement operational bylaws.
2. Strengthen public engagement through targeted campaigns and educational initiatives.
3. Deliver policy recommendations to enhance police practices and community relations.
4. Foster collaboration with academic and civic organizations, including the Notre Dame Law School
Clinic.
5. Measure and report on the Board's impact through data-driven metrics and community surveys.
This report underscores the CPRB's dedication to equity, innovation, and sustained progress in com-
munity policing oversight. By continuing to build on this foundation, we aim to achieve measurable
improvements in public safety and trust within South Bend.
CPRB Annual Report Page 4
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I. Organizational Overview
A. Board Composition
The Community Police Review Board comprises dedicated members appointed
by the South Bend Common Council. Each member represents a district and
brings a wealth of experience and professional expertise. As of December
2024, the Board includes:
• Sherria Williams (1st District) - Nominated by Councilor Canneth Lee
• Komonique Thomas (2nd District) - Nominated by Councilor Ophelia
Gooden-Rodgers
• Kelly Johnson (3rd District) - Nominated by Councilor Sharon McBride
• LuElla Webster(4th District) - Nominated by Councilor Troy Warner
• Joseph Adams (5th District) - Nominated by Councilor Karen White
• Cheryl Ashe (5th District) - Nominated by Councilor Rachel Tomas Morgan
We anticipate filling the vacancies in the 6th District and an additional position
in the 5th District in 2025, further strengthening the Board's capacity to fulfill
its mandate.
B. Training and Development
The Board's operational effectiveness is predicated on comprehensive training
designed to build oversight, conflict resolution, and community engagement
competencies. In 2024, members completed the following key programs:
• Community Police Academy: Mandatory for all Board members, offering firsthand
insights into police operations.
• Citizens Police Academy: Completed by all active members, providing immersive
exposure to law enforcement practices.
CPRB Annual Report Page 5
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I. Organizational Overview
C. Office and Staffing
Despite staffing challenges, the CPRB remains committed to achieving its goals.
Current vacancies include:
• Investigation Specialist
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Administrative Assistant
The Director, Pastor Charles L. King III, has managed operations and
spearheaded outreach efforts.
II. Complaint Statistics
and Analysis
A. Overview of Complaints
Quarter 1 2
Quarter 2 3
Quarter 3 8
Quarter 4 3
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Demographics of Complainants
Other 6.25
African American 37.50
White 50.00
B. Nature of Complaints
Property Handling 1
Use of Force 3
Bias-Based Police 2 4
Procedural Violation 7
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II. Complaint Statistics
and Analysis
C. Challenges in Resolution
While all complaints were acknowledged and logged, the Board's ability to adjudicate cases remains
contingent upon members completing mandatory training. As such, no cases were resolved in 2024.
With the training to conclude in early 2025, the Board will commence its review processes
committed to delivering timely and equitable resolutions.
III. Policy
Recommendations
A. Strategic Framework
The CPRB reviews law enforcement practices and recommends actionable policies that enhance
transparency, accountability, and trust. While 2024 was dedicated to establishing foundational
structures, the following policy priorities have been identified for 2025:
1. Bias Mitigation: Developing protocols to address disparities in policing outcomes.
2. Use of Force Policies: Recommendations to refine guidelines and ensure proportionality.
3. Community Policing Models: Proposals to enhance neighborhood engagement and trust-building.
B. Collaborative Partnerships
The CPRB intends to work closely with the South Bend Police Department, the Board of Public
Safety, and the Common Council to implement recommendations effectively. Collaboration with
academic institutions like the Notre Dame Law School Clinic will further enrich the Board's policy
analyses.
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IV. Community Engagement
A. Outreach Activities
The CPRB recognizes the importance of engaging diverse communities to foster trust and inclusivity.
In 2024, the Board conducted four public meetings and participated in multiple media engagements
to raise awareness. Plans for 2025 include:
• Youth Engagement Forums
• Faith Community Roundtables
• Multilingual outreach campaigns to reach non-English-speaking residents
B. Accessibility Initiatives
To ensure equitable access, the CPRB has implemented the following:
• ADA-compliant website enhancements
• Spanish-language translation services
• 24/7 online complaint and commendation system
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V. Budget and Resources
A. Financial Overview
The CPRB operates under an annual budget of $100,999. Expenditures for 2024 include:
Expenditures
Personnel $100,999
Operations $0
Training $0
Community Outreach $0
B. Resource Development
To enhance operational capabilities, the CPRB has implemented:
• Case Management System: Streamlining complaint intake and resolution processes.
• Training Manual: Comprehensive guide to support ongoing education for Board
members.
• Partnerships: Exploring membership with national oversight organizations like
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VI. Goals and Objectives
The CPRB has outlined the following objectives for 2025:
1. Operational Excellence: Finalize bylaws, elect officers, and streamline case review
processes.
2. Community Trust-Building: Organize dialogue sessions and implement restorative
practices.
3. Impact Measurement: Develop metrics to evaluate public satisfaction and the
Board's effectiveness.
4. Policy Implementation: Advance recommendations to improve policing standards
and community relations.
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VII. Conclusion
The Community Police Review Board (CPRB) has made significant strides in its inaugural year, laying
a strong foundation for civilian oversight and police accountability in South Bend. By prioritizing
accessibility, transparency, and community engagement, the CPRB is uniquely positioned to address
systemic challenges and foster trust between law enforcement and the
public.
2024 Achievements at a Glance:
• Established an online portal for complaints and commendations.
• Completed 226 combined hours of Board member training.
• Conducted four public meetings to engage residents and share progress.
• Developed a comprehensive training curriculum and preliminary bylaws to guide operations.
Looking ahead, 2025 will mark the transition from establishment to action. The Board is prepared to
commence case reviews, deliver policy recommendations, and strengthen its community outreach
efforts. Our strategic goals reflect a commitment to accountability, innovation, and inclusion as we
work to enhance public safety and trust.
The CPRB thanks the City of South Bend's leadership, including the Mayor, Common Council, and
Board of Public Safety, for their unwavering support. We remain dedicated to fostering a safer, more
equitable community and look forward to building on the momentum achieved in 2024.
CPRB Annual Report Page 12
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VIII. Appendices
Appendix A: Board Member Training Curriculum
The comprehensive training curriculum is designed to equip Board members with the necessary skills
to perform their duties effectively. Key modules include:
1. Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI)
2. Mediation Techniques
3. Restorative Justice Practices
4. Conflict Resolution Strategies
5. Investigative Best Practices
Appendix B: Complaint Categories and Definitions
• Use of Force: Allegations of excessive or improper physical force by police officers.
• Bias-Based Policing: Claims of discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics.
• Procedural Violations: Deviations from established protocols or policies.
• Property Handling: Complaints regarding improper handling or confiscation of personal property.
CPRB Annual Report Page 13
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VIII. Appendices
Appendix C: 2024 Media Engagements
1. February 1, 2024: Director Charles L. King III featured on WNDU.
2. March 7, 2024: Board Appointees introduced on ABC57.
3. November 12, 2024: Interview on WVPE discussing the Board's progress.
Appendix D: Financial Statement
A detailed breakdown of the CPRB's 2024 expenditures:
• Personnel Costs: $100,999
• Operations: $0
• Training: $0
• Community Outreach: $0
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Contact Information
Community Police Review Board Office
202 S Michigan Street, 8th Floor, Suite 801, South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9735
Email: cprb@southbendin.gov
Website: www.southbendin.gov/board/community-police-review-board
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
24/7 Feedback: Complaints or Commendations
www.southbendin.jotform.com/242555282379869
CPRB Annual Report Page 15