City of Boulder Police Oversight Panel
A Message from the Independent Police Monitor
August 21 marked my first-year anniversary as Independent Police Monitor. While I still have much to learn, the Boulder community welcomed me and my family in the city we now call home. I offer much appreciation for everyone who spent the time to share their experiences and advice with me, including community members and fellow city staff. 

Reflecting on my first year I share significant strides in the police oversight arena. Most notably, with the passage of the new police oversight ordinance in October 2023, the Police Oversight Panel resumed operations and review of cases. The number of complaints filed in 2024 already far surpasses 2023 cases, so I spend more time reviewing case investigations than anticipated.

In late 2023, I began publicizing monthly reports to further transparency and accessibility to the public. We resumed quarterly public meetings with BPD (Boulder Police Department) Chief of Police so that members of the Police Oversight Panel can directly question the head of BPD about policies, practices and developments at BPD.

Along with a diverse group of community members and the city manager, I also recruited and vetted candidates, who were ultimately appointed and trained to become new members of the Police Oversight Panel.

My working relationship with BPD leadership is collaborative. While we do not always agree, they accepted and implemented multiple suggestions and improvements to procedures. I attended numerous training sessions to observe how BPD trains their officers and in turn, I provided training to patrol officers. A highlight of our collaboration led to the Public Safety Listening Session with the Center for People With Disabilities and our ongoing relationships. 

As I begin my second year, I look forward to increased collaboration with the diverse Boulder community and continued transparency in sharing this work. Thank you for welcoming me.
Read Monthly Updates
Role of Police Oversight 
In Boulder, the Police Oversight Panel and the Office of the Independent Police Monitor play key roles in these areas, working together to review complaints, recommend disciplinary actions, and suggest policy changes.
Police oversight is crucial in Boulder for several reasons:
Community Trust: Effective oversight helps build and maintain trust between the police and the community. It ensures that the police are held accountable for their actions, which can help to rebuild trust, especially in communities that have historically felt marginalized.
Transparency and Accountability: The Panel provides transparency in how complaints against police officers are handled. This transparency is essential for holding officers accountable and ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly.
Policy and Training Improvements: The oversight panel reviews completed internal complaint investigations and makes recommendations on policies and training. This can lead to improvements in police practices and help prevent future incidents of misconduct.
Community Involvement: The Panel includes community members from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that various community perspectives are considered in policing matters. This inclusivity helps ensure that the police force serves the entire community effectively.
Reduction of Bias: Oversight can help identify and address biases within the police force, leading to fairer and more equitable policing practices.
Learn More About Police Oversight in Boulder
Understanding Disabilities to Improve Public Safety
Earlier this year, a person who is hard of hearing reached out to the Independent Police Monitor (IPM) to express concern about communication challenges during a potential nighttime traffic stop. 
The individual who voiced their concerns became a catalyst for positive change, prompting our police and fire departments to actively seek ways to understand and improve their interactions with the communities they serve.
Keep Reading to Learn What Happened
Hiring Boulder's Next Police Chief
The Independent Police Monitor and members of the Police Oversight Panel participated in the selection process to hire Boulder's next Police Chief. Panel members developed interview questions and were part of the interview panel. 
Final interviews wrapped up on Aug. 28. An update on the selection process is expected soon.  
What's Up Boulder?
Come visit with city staff on Sept. 7 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the East Boulder Park and chat about current and future projects and services. 
The Independent Police Monitor and members of the Police Oversight Panel will be participating in this event. 
In addition their will be live performances, free gelato popsicles from HipPOP's dessert truck and lot's of family fun. 
Learn More
Coming soon!
The 2023 Annual Report on Police Oversight will be available online in September. The report will include: 
  • Complaint Data
  • Case Summaries
  • Challenges
  • Goals for 2024/2025
Upcoming Meetings and Engagement Opportunities
Visit the City of Boulder Police Oversight website for more information about police oversight in Boulder.   
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