Like many other cities throughout the country, Clark County and the City of Las Vegas acted in response to the public outcry for independent civilian review. However, the concept of legislation mandating a review board was offensive to many organizations engaged in or affiliated with police work. Some felt that the Citizen Review Board (“CRB”) simply created an additional layer of review. Others felt that a group of citizens untrained in law enforcement did not have the proper perspective to judge the actions of any police officer. However, amidst opposition and criticism, in July of 1997, a bill was passed authorizing Clark County and the City of Las Vegas to create a Citizen Review Board. On April 6 and May 29, 1999, respectively, the County and City adopted mutual ordinances to create the CRB. The members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Citizen Review Board were sworn in October of 2000, more than three years after the approval of such a board by state legislation. Clark County and the City of Las Vegas jointly fund this organization, which has 25 volunteer board members and two paid employees with an annual budget of $317,950.

The Citizen Review Board was established for the purpose of providing civilian review of the investigations of alleged police misconduct of peace officers employed by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The CRB reviews complaints of misconduct filed by citizens, and makes recommendations to the sheriff for discipline. In addition, the CRB advises on departmental policies and practices. The goal of the CRB is to ensure the integrity of investigations of police misconduct and to enhance community confidence in LVMPD.

The logical question is: “How effective has the LVMPD Citizen Review Board been in accomplishing its goals?” Since its inception, the CRB has been instrumental in effectuating changes within LVMPD. The board, through its independent review process, found incidents of police misconduct where investigators with LVMPD had failed to disclose all of the facts in a case. Two officers were suspended in cases that were reopened and reviewed by LVMPD as a result of the findings of the CRB. In addition, the LVMPD, at the request of the CRB, has made policy changes in areas that were questioned by the board. In addition, the Internal Affairs Bureau now more thoroughly and better investigates policies and issues raised by the CRB.

The success or failure of police oversight boards is dependent upon cooperation and understanding between the oversight board and the police department. Members of police oversight boards should be thoroughly trained and understand police practices and procedures. A willingness by the police department to openly accept critical evaluation and to change policies and procedures to meet a changing community structure is of paramount importance. Doing so only reinforces a department’s claim of accountability and transparency.

Finally, the police and board must respect and understand each other’s perspectives. It is imperative that open communication prevail to further develop relationships and to drive change. That communication best occurs through a diversified board of civilians representing the interests of the community at large.