Recruitment is underway to add two new members to the Eugene Civilian Review Board and expand the current five-member board to seven members. The successful applicants will serve 3 year terms which will expire on October 31, 2012. Interested persons can apply online via the City of Eugene website at:  www.eugene-or.gov/bcc.  A supplemental questionnaire is also required and is included in the online application materials. 

The deadline for submitting an application and supplemental questionnaire is Friday, July 3, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

A community panel selected by Mayor Piercy will review the applications and make a recommendation to the City Council.  The City Council is scheduled to make the appointment on July 11, 2009 at the regular City Council meeting in the Council Chamber. 

The Civilian Review Board (CRB) was established to increase the transparency of, and public confidence in, the police complaint process.  The CRB evaluates the work of the independent Police Auditor and reviews completed complaint investigations involving sworn police employees.

Potential board members must be residents of the City of Eugene, 18 years or older and be able to pass a background investigation.  Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ability to be fair, impartial and without bias, prejudice or a conflict of interest.  Those with a record of community involvement and an ability to work effectively with diverse groups are encouraged to apply.  

The board meets the third Monday of each month. Meetings begin at 5:30 and usually go until 8:30 or 9:00 PM. In addition to the monthly meetings, board members typically spend 8 to 12 hours each month reviewing the case files of the complaints they discuss at the monthly meeting. Typically, the board reviews one case per month, but occasionally tackles two. Board members also are expected to complete 8 hours of training per year on topics ranging from public meeting laws to use-of-force. The board occasionally meets with the Police Commission to discuss policy and training issues; attendance at joint meetings is strongly encouraged.

The current board members include a hospital chaplain, a general surgeon, a civil attorney, a contractor and a municipal court judge. Their diverse experiences are an integral part of Eugene’s independent oversight system and bring to the process a range of civilian perspectives. CRB members contribute to improving public safety and police performance in Eugene through sharing civilian perspectives with the department and giving voice to community concerns and values. By learning more about police policies, practices and training and providing civilian feedback on these issues, board members improve community communication with EPD and help build trust.

If this sounds like a volunteer challenge and opportunity you are interested in, please complete the application form and submit it at your earliest convenience.

For questions about the application process, contact the City Manager’s Office at 682-5882. For questions about the Civilian Review Board and the Office of the Police Auditor, contact OPA at (541) 682-5016.