Renewed Call for Citizen's Review Board
by Sonoma County Democratic Party
Posted on 2008-04-14 12:34:19
Recent Shooting Prompts Sonoma County Democratic Party to Renew Call for Law Enforcement Citizens’ Review Board and Improved Mental Health Services
The recent fatal shooting of a woman by a Rohnert Park police officer has prompted Sonoma County Democratic Party members to call once again for a Public Citizens’ Review Board that would provide for full disclosure of matters of significant importance to the public.
“A loss of life in this manner is yet another tragic example of why we need greater oversight and transparency to those we entrust with our safety,” said Maria Peluso, Chairperson of the Sonoma County Democratic Party.
“We ask again of our county supervisors to establish a citizens’ review board for such oversight, propose ways to coordinate information between crisis professionals and law enforcement, and find a way to provide mental health services to those in dire need, before this type of tragedy repeats itself,” Peluso added.
The Sonoma County Democratic Central Committee, the body that leads the local Democratic party, passed three related resolutions just last year, stressing each issue as of great social importance for public concern and safety. In each resolution, the party calls on elected leaders to take action accordingly in combating the social ills that affect all citizens of Sonoma County and neighboring communities.
Peluso concludes, “Our call for action does not lay responsibility for the death of Heather Kathleen Billings March 16 at the feet of police. However, law enforcement officials constantly remind us that ‘due to an ongoing investigation,’ they cannot comment on the matter. In this case, the Rohnert Park police chief is attending a weeklong conference in San Francisco and, even if he were here, he wouldn’t comment. As a result, many are left with a sense of distrust for ‘blind justice’ and we need to restore that trust.”
For more information contact: Sonoma County Democratic Central Committee Headquarters • 111 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, California
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