CPOC wants all residents to have the chance to be heard. We hold community meetings where people can discuss issues related to our work. CPOC meetings are open to the public.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our meetings were held in person at our office, community centers, churches, or other locations in the city. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our meetings have been held virtually.

How to comment

During our commission meetings, we hold a public comment period for those who want to speak. You can send a request to be heard by email, or during a virtual meeting by using the chat or “raise my hand” feature.

If you want to remain anonymous, you do not have to say your name. You can also submit a question or comment by mail, email, or by using the chat feature in a virtual meeting. If the meeting is held in person, anonymous index cards will be made available.

Comments are heard in order of request. Follow public comment guidelines and keep to the time limit given.

CPOC meeting agendas are typically sent out by email before the start of a community meeting. Recordings of virtual meetings are sent to our email list within 48 hours of the community meeting and posted on our social media platforms.

Meeting minutes and agendas of CPOC’s predecessor are still available.

CPOC sits on the Police Board of Inquiry Panel and participates in hearings on alleged officer misconduct. Hearings that are held as a result of a CAP (Complaint Against Police) are open to the public and are held at police headquarters on Broad Street. CPOC posts public hearing dates and times on our website and social media platforms.

Previous opinions of hearings from CPOC’s predecessor are still available.

Commission meetings follow Sunshine Act guidelines. These guidelines make sure that meetings are open and transparent and that a record is kept of what happened. While the commission keeps minutes of meetings, people can also record meetings, as long as they follow certain rules.

Recording devices allowed include:

• Tape recorders.
• Video cameras.
• Television cameras.
• Microphones.
• Cameras.
• Cell phones.

Before recording at a meeting, you must provide, in writing:

• The name and address of the person who will record.
• A description of the recording device.
• Acknowledgment that the person recording will follow all rules and regulations.

During the meeting:

• Those recording must identify themselves and their recording device when asked.
• Recording devices cannot distract with sound or lights.
• Television cameras, microphones, and equipment must be set up in a location designated by commission staff.
• Individuals who are recording must remain in place during the meeting.
• Recording devices cannot be hidden.
• Recording can only happen during the meeting. Recording must stop before the meeting is called to order and after it is adjourned.
• No recording device may be used to record private conversations between audience members, officials, or others whose comments or questions are made privately.

Those who don’t follow these rules may have their device taken away and may be asked to leave the meeting. Those barred from meetings cannot return for 90 days.