Neighborhood Notes

The Independent Police Review (IPR) is recruiting volunteers to serve two-year terms on the City of Portland's Citizen Review Committee (CRC). Please post this announcement to any relevant e-mail distribution lists, bulletin boards, or newsletters you use or produce.

CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT

IPR receives and screens complaints about Portland Police Bureau (PPB or Bureau) officers. IPR may investigate, mediate, dismiss, or refer complaints to the Bureau. In addition, IPR oversees investigations, analyzes complaint patterns, and conducts policy reviews.

The nine CRC members are appointed by the City Council to monitor and advise IPR, hear appeals, and receive public concerns. Candidates must be Portland, Oregon residents or business owners with a lack of real or perceived conflicts of interest.

THE PRINCIPAL CRC DUTIES

• Review samples of complaints to advise on complaint handling;

• Work with IPR staff to conduct reviews of Bureau policies and procedures;

• Serve as a member of the citizen pool for PPB Use of Force and Performance Review Boards;

• Exercise impartiality when citizens or PPB officers appeal results of police misconduct investigations;

• Participate in orientation and training about policing; and

• Gather community concerns regarding police policies and procedures.

PROFILE AND EXPECTATIONS OF CANDIDATES

• Ability to make a substantial time commitment-including mandatory training, monthly evening meetings, workgroup meetings, and independent review of complaints and policies;

• Truthfulness;

• Impartiality and objectivity;

• Good communication and listening skills;

• Willingness and ability to maintain standards of confidentiality;

• Objective decision-making and analytical skills;

• Cultural and ethnic sensitivity;

• Ability to function well in a group; and

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Applications must be received at the IPR office in City Hall by 4:30 PM on Friday, October 31, 2008.

Delivery can be done by: mail or in person at 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 320, Portland, OR 97204, e-mail at iprcrc@ci.portland.or.us, or fax at 503-823-3530. If you have any questions, please call IPR's main line 503-823-0146.

Applications will be evaluated and scored by a selection committee and the most qualified candidates will be asked to appear for an interview. Those selected will be appointed by the City Council to serve two-year terms on the Citizen Review Committee. Every attempt will be made to select qualified persons who represent the demographic and ethnic diversity of Portland.

Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF versions of this application form are available on IPR's website.