"Charlottesville officials are considering re-establishing an independent review committee for the city’s police department that would investigate complaints against officers.

While no proposal has been drafted, several city councilors have signaled their support for an outside group of residents and Charlottesville officials devoted to examining claims of misconduct. Such a committee, proponents say, would ensure greater transparency in the department and provide an additional layer of oversight.

“When you have that type of system in place, it raises the credibility of the police department,” Councilor Julian Taliaferro said.

The issue has gained new momentum in recent weeks. A petition circling in the community calls for an outside panel to look into the handling of a case where an Albemarle County patrol car struck a wheelchair-bound man as he crossed West Main Street. The pedestrian, Gerry Mitchell, was ticketed for ignoring traffic rules, though charges were later dropped.

That incident has convinced some residents that it’s time for the city to revive the review committee.

“I think we have a good force, but when things like this happen and people have questions not answered, it undermines our police force,” Downing Smith said.

From 1990 to 1997 the police department and an independent advisory panel would conduct parallel investigations of accusations against officers. The outside group would have access to the same information as the department and could interview witnesses and officers involved.

Though the panel would make a recommendation, it did not have the authority to punish officers. The group disbanded in 1997. The City Council did not dissolve the committee; it “just kind of fell by the wayside,” said Ric Barrick, city spokesman.

Now, only internal police investigations exist. One officer handles claims of rule violations, but disciplinary action is at the discretion of Police Chief Timothy J. Longo.

Longo said he’s “open” to discussing the formation of a new review committee but believes that the current system provides plenty of oversight.

“I’m comfortable with the process we have in place,” Longo said. “I’m confident we’ve worked very hard to ensure we stress accountability within the ranks of this organization.”

The department puts a lot of resources into reviewing claims of misconduct and has shown a willingness to discipline officers, Longo insists. Last year 45 complaints of rule violations were lodged against the police department and 17 were sustained.

“By and large … we’ve demonstrated we have the ability to police ourselves,” Longo said.

Councilors emphasize that the establishment of an advisory panel should not be read as a rebuke to the department.

“I don’t see this as an indication of a lack of trust in the police department,” Mayor Dave Norris said. “It’s just another layer of review that helps instill community confidence, support and accountability.”

Albemarle formed a review panel in 2004 that studies police policies, staffing and budget decisions. But the group does not investigate potential rule violations.

Some Charlottesville residents say that for the committee to be truly effective it must be able to hand down punishments. Otherwise, its recommendations could easily be ignored.

“I suspect it might have very little authority,” said Kevin Cox, a local activist. “Real teeth would be the ability to discipline and rebuke police officers and the police chief.”" (Seth Rosen, The Daily Progress, January 27, 2008)