MEMPHIS, Tenn. — There are two different ways to look at the selection of a retired Memphis police officer as chairman of the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board. One view is that with former Police Colonel James Kirkwood leading CLERB, officers accused of abusive conduct will get the benefit of the doubt. The other view is that Kirkwood’s leadership will likely make police brass – and even rank and file officers – more cooperative.
It’s true that the law enforcement oversight board has been mostly ineffective in recent years – mostly because police officials have been lukewarm at best in responding to CLERB’s inquiries. Plus, state lawmakers last year took away independent subpoena powers from boards such as CLERB. So skeptics might conclude that a mostly powerless review board will be even less effective with a former cop in charge.
But I prefer to believe the other view - that Kirkwood’s strong community ties as a high ranking officer and a minister – will be of benefit to CLERB and the MPD. I take him at his word that he will ensure that the voices of citizens who have a beef with police will be heard, and that cases that come before the board will be evaluated fairly.
Really, that’s all we can ask. An opportunity for civilian review of alleged police abuse, and a board that is afforded respect for trying to make police and community relations – better. And that’s my point of view.