TAMPA, Fla. — After months of back and forth, a group that is designed to review police disciplinary cases or alleged misconduct in Tampa will now have access to more legal resources.
On Thursday, Tampa City Council passed an ordinance for its second reading and adoption, giving the Citizens Review Board (CRB) access to an independent legal advisor that’s not employed by the city.
Community activist and city council candidate Robin Lockett says this was a small but important step that will protect both citizens and police officers.
“There has to be separation,” she said. “There’s no way that the city can represent the city and represent that board.”
10 Tampa Bay reached out to the Tampa Police Department, and they sent a statement stating:
"Transparency is at an all-time high at TPD. Our crime statistics, traffic stop data, and SOPs are all easily attainable with the click of a button on our website. Since 2015, we have worked hand-in-hand with the Citizens Review Board (CRB), providing its members with case information to foster a relationship of transparency.
We have taken steps to enhance the Board’s authority by allowing CRB members to be a part of our hiring process during the interview phase and the review of use of force policy changes. Any changes made to the CRB after today’s decision will not change the partnership we have built and are continuing to strengthen.”
The ordinance passed 4-3.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor previously blocked voters from being able to decide whether they wanted the CRB to have independent counsel, prompting city councilmembers to go through the process of presenting it as a regular ordinance.
10 Tampa Bay reached out to the mayor’s office for comment on Thursday’s vote.