Public Safety Committee To Weigh Rules for Civilian Review of Police Technology

The Pasadena Public Safety Committee will meet Sept. 16 to consider recommending that the City Council approve formal rules for how the Community Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) reviews Pasadena Police Department policies on new technology and equipment.

The rules would set a step-by-step process — developed over several months and piloted on the department’s drone policy — that lets residents weigh in on tools such as drones and energy-assisted breaching gear before the department adopts related policies. The commission voted 9-0, with two members absent, to adopt the framework, added as Article XII of its rules, at its June 11 meeting.

If the City Council approves, the rules would guide future reviews.

As an advisory committee, the panel cannot enact the rules; it can only forward a recommendation, and the City Council would hold final authority over whether they take effect.

Need to know: The Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, in the Pasadena City Hall Council Chamber, Room S249, at 100 North Garfield Avenue, in Pasadena. The meeting is open to the public in person and by video and teleconference. Residents can join at cityofpasadena.net/cczoom or by phone at 1-669-900-6833 using Meeting ID 161 482 446, or watch at www.pasadenamedia.org. Speaker cards are at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/public-comment/, and comments are limited to three minutes. For more call (626) 744-7311 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/agendas/.