The Citizens Oversight for Police Practices Board reported 28 internally initiated investigations and six recommendations related to the Cal Poly Humboldt protest response during its annual presentation to the Eureka City Council on Oct. 6. The board said four of the six recommendations had been implemented and two remained in progress. The council meeting summary also says the board reported an increase in external complaints in 2024.
The presentation was listed under board and commission reports on the City Council’s official agenda. The board provides civilian oversight of Eureka Police Department practices and reviews complaints, investigations and department practices through a hybrid system that includes an independent auditor, according to the meeting summary.
Board members asked the council to provide clearer written referrals when requesting specific recommendations. They also encouraged community organizations to present at the board’s quarterly meetings.
Police Chief Stevens told the council that the board and auditor can recommend policy or training changes but do not receive confidential disciplinary outcomes protected by police officers’ rights laws, according to the meeting summary. The reported investigation and complaint figures do not establish the merits of individual complaints or that misconduct occurred.
The meeting record does not include case-by-case details for the 28 investigations, complaint classifications or dispositions, or the text and expected completion dates of the two pending recommendations. The board’s next meeting was identified in the meeting summary as Oct. 27.
