City of Cedar Rapids Launches Survey to Gather Input for Citizen Review Board

The City of Cedar Rapids has launched a survey to seek feedback from residents as they work to establish the framework for an independent Citizen Review Board (CRB). Residents can take the survey through October 1, 2020

TAKE THE SURVEY

*Those unable to access the survey electronically can contact the Community Development Department at 319-286-5041, and a paper copy of the survey will be mailed to you. Paper copies are also available at the Ground Transportation Center (450 1st Street SE).

A Citizen Review Board is an independent body created to influence and change police practices to ensure community law enforcement is effective and responsive to the standards, values, and needs of those to be served. There are approximately 150 Citizen Review Boards currently across the United States, each with a different emphasis and activities conducted. As the Cedar Rapids CRB is developed, it will be important to build support and tailor the CRB to the specific need of our community.

The City worked with members of Advocates for Social Justice and the National Research Center to develop the custom survey for Cedar Rapids residents. This is one of several ways to engage the public and begin the community conversation.

Focus groups are also being conducted. Community members and groups are being asked to participate in these important discussions throughout the month of August.

Additional Resources

• Advocates for Social Justice - https://www.facebook.com/ASJBLM/
• National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) - https://www.nacole.org/
• The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) - https://www.calea.org/
• President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing - https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/taskforce_finalreport.pdf

Resolution of Support for Black Lives Matter & Advocates
Cedar Rapids City Council passed a resolution on June 19, 2020 officially declaring their support and commitment to addressing priorities brought to the City through the local Black Lives Matter Movement and Advocates for Social Justice. At the meeting, City Council approved and agreed to move forward on all seven priorities, with establishment of a Citizen Review Board being agreed upon by both groups as the highest priority to implement quickly. A copy of the resolution can be found on the city’s website.

Residents are encouraged to follow the public input process and find more details at www.cedar-rapids.org/crb