Effective civilian oversight requires community involvement. Community and stakeholder input regarding how civilian oversight should function and which accountability issues it should address will result in the creation of a “best fit” oversight system that can meet community needs and expectations. Without sufficient involvement of those most interested in and impacted by local issues regarding law enforcement, it is unlikely that civilian oversight will be able to successfully accomplish its goals.
- Independence
- Clearly Defined and Adequate Jurisdiction and Authority
- Unfettered Access to Records and Facilities
- Access to Law Enforcement Executives and Internal Affairs Staff
- Full Cooperation
- Sustained Stakeholder Support
- Adequate Funding and Operational Resources
- Public Reporting and Transparency
- Policy and Patterns in Practice Analysis
- Community Outreach
- Community Involvement
- Confidentiality, Anonymity, and Protection from Retaliation
- Procedural Justice and Legitimacy