Group Still Seeking Police Review Panel

Members of United Neighborhoods renewed calls Wednesday for a civilian police review board to address what they say is continuing tension between the Latino community and law enforcement agencies.

“It’s something that we’re very determined to bring about,” said Josie Montoya, co-founder of the Anaheim-based group, formed last year to look into allegations of civil rights violations by police.

Anaheim Police Capt. Marc Hedgpeth said the department has tried to “establish meaningful dialogue” with the group and that forming such a panel would be the responsibility of the City Council.

“The Police Department remains accountable to oversight agencies at the federal, state, county and local levels of government,” he said. “We have a police review board. It’s the City Council, and they have the right any time to take grievances against the Police Department to the City Council.”

Councilman Lou Lopez said the council needs more information before taking any action.

“At this point there have not been any specific dates, times or locations of allegations, and until that happens, there is nothing we will do as a City Council,” he said.

Lopez said he is willing to speak with community members. Also, the Police Department has instituted a public information officer who is also available to meet with United Neighborhoods and other groups, he said.