Police Citizens Review Board Forum - Sept. 16 - 7:30 PM - Civic Center
By Carolyn Dieterle

Voters approved the measure on the Fall 2007 City ballot to strengthen the PCRB; and part of that amendment to the City Charter provides for a forum at least once yearly to hear citizens' suggestions and desires regarding police practices and policies. - and to hear complaints, if any.

For those who think, for example, that police priorities should be changed to focus more on prevention of crimes that have victims (e.g., the assaults and robberies we have had lately) and less on PAULA tickets and marijuana possession, the forum would be a good place to talk about that - suggesting that officers in cars, on bikes and on foot patrol the streets surrounding the downtown area rather than having such a large presence on the Ped Mall every evening.

Recently, a friend's wife's mother (over 80 years old, living in Ames) had her arm and wrist broken by Ames police, who were trying to restrain her when her medications apparently made her temporarily delusional. The question could be asked: what training do local officers receive in dealing with violent persons who are old and 'brittle'?

Finally, communication is the key to better relationships. The police need to know what type of policing the community wants. It isn't fair to criticize them about not being in touch with community policing desires if citizens do not give them any feedback.

- Caroline