MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The review board overseeing police complaints is set to have more power after citizens speak up.
This week there’s been intense planning to restart the citizens board and give it some real authority.
The Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board, or CLERB, will now be the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board.
That wasn’t the only change.
It’s undergoing a big change that would give it more power.
Memphis United, the group pushing for more oversight over police complaints, walked away from the bargaining table with a win.
“We were very encouraged by what was said here today, but saying is one thing. Doing is another,” said Bradley Watkins, Memphis United.
Earlier this week it looked as if Mayor A C Wharton flip-flopped on his original support to give the group more authority.
The mayor said to be clear he supports changes to CLERB.
“It was a gross mischaracterization to say that we had withdrawn our support for enhancing the CLERB,” Wharton said.
If the City Council approves the recommended ordinance change, the Civilian Review Board may no longer be a lame duck board.
“This document allows the internal affairs process to not linger on for one and two, three years. It sets out a minimum of 45 days. This document also outlines the do’s and don’t’s of the organization. The fact that they will have subpoena authority through the City Council,” said Wanda Halbert, with the Memphis City Council.
However, the union representing officers argued the group’s new authority goes too far.
“We feel as if they don’t really need subpoena power because we have a policy in place right now that gives them the ability to review any investigations that IAB or security squad may handle,” said Marcus Tucker with the Memphis Police Association.
The CLERB board hasn’t heard a case since 2011.
It will meet Monday to go over its new proposed responsibilities.
Tuesday the City Council is set to vote on the changes to the ordinance
