Council Set to Appoint New Police Oversight Commissioners

The Pasadena City Council will proceed with appointing three new commissioners to the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) on Monday, despite the cancellation of the Public Safety Committee meeting that typically screens candidates.

Six applicants remain in contention for the three available seats, representing various community organizations including the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, First AME Church, and the NAACP Pasadena Branch. The commissioners will serve three-year terms from July 1 through June 30, 2028, replacing Alexis Abernethy, Florence Annang, and Juliana Serrano, who have completed their maximum term limits.

The commission, established in 2020 following nationwide calls for police accountability after George Floyd’s death, plays a critical role in enhancing transparency between the Pasadena Police Department and the community. Commissioners review department policies, critical incidents, and use-of-force cases, and make recommendations to the police chief, city manager, and City Council.

The city initially opened applications on April 9 with a May 12 deadline but extended the process to June 6 after receiving only two initial applicants. Staff reached out to approximately 40 community organizations and neighborhood associations to encourage applications.

The final candidate pool includes Alexandra Annala, Olden Denham, Andrea Grace McCraw, Latoya Patillo, Faisal Rashid, and Ted Smith. The council will select three commissioners without the typical Public Safety Committee recommendation due to a canceled meeting on June 18.

The appointment process, adopted in January 2021, typically involves community-based groups recommending candidates, the Public Safety Committee screening applicants, and the City Council making the final selection. In this instance, the Council will consider all eligible applications directly.

The CPOC collaborates with the Independent Police Auditor to provide civilian oversight and promote public confidence in local law enforcement practices.