Editor:
Humboldt needs a sheriff’s civilian review board. California law provides for the right for all communities to have robust civilian review boards for their sheriff’s department. The Sheriff’s Office has broad-based power over the jail, law enforcement, coroner’s office, animal control and drug task forces, employs almost 350 people, and is a part of every inter-agency response to emergencies in our rural community.
With ICE raids across the country, discussions about law enforcement misconduct, lack of trust in such a vital organization harms the safety in our community. We have almost no knowledge about the operating practices, budget, and no ability as a community to peek behind the curtain to see how the Sheriff’s Office operates.
This has nothing to do with the current sheriff, despite bizarre claims of riots of poor people or buses of Antifa. Humboldt should have a real civilian review board to have external feedback and oversight of the Sheriff’s Office.
Civilian review boards have increased confidence in law enforcement, contributed to best practices and reduced costs. A civilian review board with subpoena power, an independent inspector and non-law enforcement oversight can positively impact the sheriff’s department and make our community more safe.
We should not wait until there is an accidental shooting or a massive lawsuit to create a civilian review board. This work should not be done when we are in crisis, but with care and attention to develop a board and get exceptional community leaders to serve on the board.
Maxwell Schnurer, Eureka
This article appears in Corkscrew Trees and a Crooked Trail.
