New Police Oversight Commission Appointments Under Review This Week

The Pasadena City Council’s Public Safety Committee will review applications from seven community organizations seeking representation on the city’s Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) during a meeting Wednesday afternoon.

The committee will recommend three candidates from the applicant pool for appointment to three-year terms beginning July 1 on the 11-member civilian oversight board established in 2020.

The current commissioners holding community-based organization seats  — Alexis Abernethy, Florence Annang and Juliana Serrano — are completing their terms June 30 and are ineligible for reappointment. Their replacements will serve through June 2028.

The City Attorney/City Prosecutor’s Department initially opened the application period April 9 with a May 12 deadline, but extended it to June 6 after receiving only two initial applications. During the recruitment period, staff issued two press releases and contacted approximately 40 local community organizations and neighborhood associations.

The seven applicants represent diverse community interests. Alexandra Annala applied on behalf of the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, while Federico Carmona represents Peace Over Violence. Olden Denham submitted an application for First AME Church, and Andrea Grace McGraw represents the NAACP Pasadena Branch.

Latoya Patillo applied representing both Gang Outreach Violence and Interruption Services and Jazzy Jam for Empowerment. Faisal Rashid represents the Islamic Center of Southern California, Pasadena Satellite, and Ted Smith applied on behalf of the Pasadena Senior Center.

Each applicant has been invited to make brief statements and answer questions during the 4 p.m. meeting in the City Council Chamber at City Hall.

The Community Police Oversight Commission was established by City Council ordinance in October 2020, along with an Independent Police Auditor position. The council approved appointment policies for the commission’s 11 members in January 2021.

Under the appointment process, community-based organizations recommend candidates for vacant positions. The Public Safety Committee reviews applications and submits at least three nominations to the City Council for consideration. The council may appoint the committee’s recommendations or consider other applications reviewed by the committee.

The Public Safety Committee’s recommendations are expected to be considered for appointment at the June 23 City Council meeting.