Laws and Regulations
The City Charter section establishing the Police Accountability Board and Office of the Director of Police Accountability, and rules and regulations governing the work of the Board and the Office can be found here.
Enabling Legislation
The Police Accountability Board and Director of Police Accountability were created by an amendment to the City Charter, approved by Berkeley voters in November 2020 as ballot Measure II.
City Charter Section 125, Article XVIII
Related Legislation
Operational Date. In July 2020, the City Council directed that the functions of the Board and the appointment of an interim Director of Police Accountability occur no later than July 1, 2021, contingent on the passage of Measure II in November 2020. This expedited the provisions of the Charter amendment having the Police Review Commission continue in existence until all functions were transferred to the Police Accountability Board by January 3, 2022.
Leaves of Absence and Alternate Commissioner
The City Council amended the Berkeley Municipal Code to provide for leaves of absence for Police Accountability Board members and to provide for a designated Council-approved alternate to serve when a regular member is on a leave of absence.
March 30, 2021 Consent Calendar Item
Complaint Regulations
Interim Regulations for Handling Complaints Against Sworn Officers of the Police Department were approved by the City Council on October 5, 2021. The Regulations Subcommittee of the Police Accountability Board continues to work on permanent regulations.
Standing Rules
The Board adopted Standing Rules governing their internal operations. They were ratified by the City Council on December 14, 2021.