City opens applications for Police Oversight Panel

Boulder is seeking applicants to join its Police Oversight Panel. Applications opened Friday and will remain open until early January.

The POP was established in 2020, a year after a Boulder police officer confronted a Black Naropa student in front of his home. The panel’s duties include reviewing complaints against police officers and making recommendations to the Boulder Police Department regarding discipline, policy and training. Ultimately, though, the police chief makes the final determination on these matters.

A news release stated that community members committed to the goals of the city’s Police Oversight Ordinance are invited to apply to serve on the panel. Applicants should have “strong ties” to Boulder but are not required to be Boulder residents.

“The Panel is committed to independently analyzing and evaluating community complaints of alleged police misconduct to assist in providing equitable outcomes and restoring community trust in the Boulder Police Department,” the release stated. “Diverse representation of the Boulder community is the cornerstone of the Panel’s work, bringing historically excluded voices to the forefront of civilian police oversight.”

However, according to the release — as well as previous and former panelists — serving on the panel is a significant time commitment. Members must attend monthly all-panel meetings, take part in case reviews and discussions, serve on subcommittees and complete mandatory training. Panel members can anticipate spending at least 10 to 15 hours per month on panel duties and responsibilities. Panelists are also paid a $200 monthly stipend.

Applications will be accepted through Jan. 6. The city plans to hold interviews on Jan. 20 and 24, and successful applicants will serve a two- or three-year term

starting in February. Panelists can serve up to two consecutive terms for up to four years in total.

Currently, there is one vacancy on the panel, but at least one more seat will likely open up in February as panelists’ terms conclude. Panel co-chair Hadasa Villalobos, who is completing her third year on the panel, has indicated she will leave after her term ends in February.

Previously, panel members were chosen by a panel selection committee comprised of representatives from the Boulder County NAACP and El Centro Amistad. But thanks to the new Police Oversight Ordinance passed in late October, the city manager is now responsible for appointing new panelists.

A new advisory committee made up of community members and representatives of community organizations will recommend applicants for the city manager to consider. The city is already finalizing its selection of advisory committee members.

More information and an application for the panel can be found at bouldercolorado. gov/police-oversight-panel.