Citizen Review Panel Authority
Citizen Review Panel Authority
City Council appointed a citizen task force to provide it with recommendations on five topics (below) related to civilian oversight of law enforcement personnel. The task force has conducted two public comment sessions and is gathering input through this survey to help inform its recommendations.
1. The difference between investigatory power and subpoena power, and whether investigatory power can be utilized without subpoena power
2. The purpose and designation of a budget for the citizen’s review panel
3. The impact of a citizen’s review panel on the Police Department
4. Identifying the best model that the City of Virginia Beach should adopt
5. Other pertinent topics regarding the development of the citizens review panel
Virginia Beach has had a civilian Investigation Review Panel (IRP) since 1991. It has independent authority to review the reports and conclusions of the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Office. Its charge is to ensure the findings are complete, accurate, and factually supported. The IRP has the authority to make specific policy recommendations or procedure revisions, and the police chief is required to provide to the city manager a written response to the recommendations within 30 days.
The IRP has full access to the Internal Affairs investigation material in making its determinations, including statements, recordings, videos, and documents. More information can be found here.
This survey will be open for input through Wednesday, August 25, 2021.
The current Investigation Review Panel reviews and critiques completed Internal Affairs investigations and can recommend further investigation be conducted if they believe the work is incomplete. It has no authority or staff to conduct independent investigations.
An officer accused of a crime or who uses deadly force under their law enforcement authority is subjected to three separate and mandatory investigations: a criminal investigation, an independent investigation by the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney, and an Internal Affairs investigation. A federal agency or a civil lawsuit could result in additional investigations. Complainants and witnesses participate in each of these investigations.
City employees are compelled to cooperate with the current IRP and the Police Department is required to provide the complete Internal Affairs investigative file to the panel so no subpoena authority is needed to access relevant information from the Police Department or its employees.