CAHRO Works to Establish Better Police-Community Relations

CAHRO held a symposium on police-community relations in San Diego earlier this year.  Presentations by practitioners were made on the strengths and weaknesses of internal affairs investigations, civilian review of internal affairs investigations, civilian investigation of complaints against police, and the use of an Inspector General who has the discretion to launch an investigation of complaints against police or to review internal affairs findings by law enforcement.  Each of the models in practived had inherent flaws that might lead to a loss of confidence in law enforcement.

Las October CAHRO submitted a proposal to the California Attorney General for the establishment of a process that would provide for the independent investigation of high-profile incidents by the State of California in cases of abuse of power by law enforcement.  The proposal is currently being reviewed by the California Department of Justice.