Inside Mesa

Remember the City Council’s approval for civilians to participate as non-voting members on the Mesa Police Department’s Use of Force Board? It finally happened! After a screening process, selection of members to serve within the pool randomly drawn by the City Manager’s Office, and some additional training - I had the privilege of being drawn to serve on the Inaugural Use of Force Board the end of May 2006. I must tell you, it was an experience that made quite an impact on me and provided yet another level of learning I had not anticipated. I thought I could best share with you in part, a letter I wrote - with some editing - to Interim Police Chief Gregory Fowler, City Manager Chris Brady, with copies to Commander Ron Kirby, Use of Force Board Oversight and Diversity Officer Mary Berumen, City Manager’s Office - on June 6, 2006. It expresses the process I went through, describing how it all unfolded.It went like this:"I’d like to express how very honored I am to have been randomly selected by the City Manager’s office, to serve as a non-voting civilian member on the Use of Force Board. I’m especially thankful to be included as part of the Inaugural Use of Force Board that included civilian participation on May 31, 2006. I have long awaited this very important implementation by the city as a result of the recommendation to the city council by the Ad Hoc Committee to Study Police Oversight appointed by Mayor Keno Hawker in 2004, chaired by then Vice Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh. At the head was then Mesa Police Chief Dennis Donna, Ad Hoc Committee member, fully supported and favored civilian participation, and Mike Hutchinson, then City Manager. I believe community situations highlighted the need, plus the efforts of this committee brought about a significant way to help bridge the gap between the Mesa community and Police Department. With the approval of non-voting civilians on the Mesa PD Use of Force Board in 2005 - a critical element is in place - giving back to the community what they have asked for. After graduating from the Mesa Citizen Police Academy, serving and learning within the Alumni Association, then going through the civilian Use of Force Board selection process, there was more. We reviewed policy and procedure, participated in more training - including taking part in mock scenarios for awareness. Very telling when you’re in the middle of the action! I then read through the pending board review and met with Commander Kirby, who oversees and is responsible for Use of Board Reviews. Procedure was explained and my many questions answered - I thought I was pretty well equipped. The moment of truth - The Use of Force Board convened with a panel of eight, which included two civilians. Commander Kirby as Chair, experts on the panel were: an officer on range, another on skill. A Lieutenant, another officer, and police attorney all present, all professional, courteous, focused, and used great sensitivity to the case - staying on target. Each officer in review came before us, one by one.The experience was deep, enlightening, moving, and felt in a way I had not anticipated. To witness the re-telling of the event, although some months ago, suddenly became very real. To observe and hear each officer respond with sincerity, integrity, answering each question with details - placed them back at the scene - in the moment. It spoke volumes to me as I ‘caught’ their place and circumstances as each spoke. My gratitude and appreciation for each and every officer that serves the City of Mesa was clearly intensified by this experience. To see these officers sit before their peers in all humility, in order to find that ‘moment of truth’ that would lead to their findings, was an important ingredient of this process. I am grateful to have been able to experience this first hand. No matter how much one is trained, first hand knowledge is powerful. My thanks and appreciation to those making civilian participation possible and allowing me to be included in this useful and much needed function within the Mesa Police Department, for the City of Mesa. I believe the success of this board is a priority; I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve.Sincere Regards"To join in on this worthwhile effort one must first go through the Citizen Police Academy. One is starting in September. The information about the Academy and explanation with the qualifications for civilians to serve the Use of Force Board is on the City of Mesa Web Site under Departments, then Police. Check it out today!