Modesto Police Review Board report calls for better transparency & de-escalation techniques

Modesto’s Community Police Review Board released its first annual report last week, offering a detailed look at its findings and recommendations for the Modesto Police Department.

Recommendations include such things as better transparency by the department about major incidents and officer misconduct, revising its use-of-force policy and the establishment by the city and police of semiannual “Know Your Rights” training sessions for residents.

The CPRB is tasked with enhancing police accountability and transparency in response to public demand for police reform.

“You, the community of Modesto, and the nine members of Modesto’s Police Review Board are here to provide oversight of the public safety system we have,” wrote Vice Chair Nico Solorio in the first annual report.

Findings and recommendations

The report outlines several areas of concern and suggests a range of recommendations aimed at improving the relationship between the MPD and the Modesto community. Among the recommendations are:

Transparency Issues: The CPRB emphasized the need for greater transparency from MPD, particularly in relation to major incidents and disciplinary actions. It suggests that MPD provide regular updates on the status of ongoing investigations and other sensitive cases. That would let board members keep the public informed.

The board also calls for the release of settlement data related to officer misconduct to both the board and the public, including details on the economic impact and any resulting changes in MPD policy.

De-escalation Techniques: The CPRB recommends expanding programs like the Mobile Crisis Response Team and the Community Health and Assistance Team. These programs deploy mental health clinicians and social service professionals to handle situations that might otherwise involve police officers. The aim is reducing the burden on law enforcement and potentially leading to better outcomes for community members. The report highlights the success of these programs and urges the city to seek additional funding to expand their reach.

Officer Conduct and Training: The board identified a need for stricter oversight of officer conduct, particularly in relation to the use of body-worn cameras. The report notes an incident where an officer turned off her body camera during an arrest, which led to a complaint.

Additionally, the CPRB recommends revising the MPD’s use-of-force policy to consider an officer’s history of using deadly force, even beyond a 12-month period. This could ensure that patterns of behavior are identified and addressed more effectively. The board also supports ongoing and mandatory race and cultural relations training for all officers, noting its positive impact on both police and community members.

Community Engagement: To bridge the gap between the police and the community, the CPRB advocates for semiannual “Know Your Rights” training sessions for residents, which would be co-sponsored by the city and MPD. The board also suggests making its own meetings more accessible by allowing Zoom participation, a move members hope will increase community involvement.

The review board’s creation

The CPRB was born out of the Forward Together working group, initiated by the City Council in response to widespread calls for police reform. The working group was established in June 2021 following several high-profile incidents involving the Police Department’s use of deadly force.

After extensive research and community engagement, the Forward Together working group recommended a hybrid oversight model combining an independent auditor with a community review board. This model was designed to balance professional oversight with community participation, aiming to rebuild trust between MPD and Modesto residents.

The City Council adopted the recommendations in December 2022, leading to the formation of the CPRB, composed of nine Modesto residents selected from a pool of over 70 applicants. The board, which includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, held its first meeting in June 2023 and has since been actively involved in reviewing police practices, community concerns and the MPD’s response to critical incidents.

Notes on trauma and data

Solorio, who attended the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement conference, shared insights from his attendance in the report, where two key topics were highlighted: trauma and the importance of data.

The conference underscored the impact of trauma on both victims of police use-of-force incidents and the officers involved. Statistics presented showed that officers are at a higher risk for serious health issues, including PTSD, depression and suicide, often resulting in a shortened lifespan.

Solorio also discussed the broader concept of collective trauma, which affects entire communities, leading to widespread psychological distress and altered attitudes. He said the conference emphasized the need for law enforcement to be trauma-informed, integrating this understanding into policies to prevent further harm and foster healing.

He also emphasized the importance of focusing on local data to understand what’s really happening in Modesto.

“Although nationwide data does matter, our job is to focus on our community and Modesto’s police department,” Solorio wrote in the report. He also highlighted the need to investigate patterns in police conduct and how settlements related to officer misconduct impact the community.

The CPRB plans to analyze data points such as the frequency of use of force complaints, patterns of police stops and the outcomes of lawsuits related to officer misconduct. This data-driven approach aims to identify trends and inform future recommendations.

Solorio also highlighted the potential impact of police union contracts on oversight efforts. He noted the importance of understanding the details of these contracts to ensure that they do not hinder accountability. The report calls for regular communication between the police union and the Independent Police Auditor to build trust and improve transparency.

Solorio brought up the importance of local oversight in policing, noting that while Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements vary across the country, MPD often exceeds California’s minimum standards. He emphasized that the future of policing is local and requires collaboration between the community, the CPRB, and the police department.

He also praised Police Chief Brandon Gillespie for his proactive approach to the recommendations from the Forward Together initiative. He urged the Modesto community to stay engaged, hold the board and the police accountable, and continue working together to improve the public safety system to meet the community’s needs.

Looking ahead, the CPRB plans to review MPD policies, such as adding specific guidelines for officers on compliance with pain techniques and considering mandatory drug and alcohol testing for officers involved in shootings or fatalities. Additionally, the board is interested in reviewing data related to racial profiling and how it’s shared with the community.

The CPRB encourages community members to attend its monthly meetings, held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1010 10th St. in the basement-level chambers, to voice their concerns and stay informed.

“In the end, the future of policing is not federal, it is local. We must continue with what we are doing and work together,” Solorio said.