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.