by ACRB Board Member Andrea Bilbija
Ask any Atlanta resident what they value most in their strongest relationships and they will likely include trust. When we trust those around us and we know they will operate in a way that is transparent, we can engage in those relationships with more empathy and honesty.
The same is also true of our public officials, and especially law enforcement. Trust is the bedrock of effective policing: when communities trust the police, they are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement, report crimes, and participate in community safety initiatives. In recent years, there has been a growing call that a stronger sense of trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve requires greater transparency. A fundamental way in which we achieve that in Atlanta is through the Atlanta Citizen Review Board (ACRB), which is focused on investigations, mediations, community engagement, and building trust by driving transparency and accountability.
The Role of the ACRB in Providing Transparency
The ACRB, which includes 9 staff members and 15 board members representing the Atlanta community, has been investigating citizen complaints about Atlanta Police Department (APD) and Atlanta Corrections Department (ACD) interactions with citizens since 2008. Following a robust investigation by the ACRB investigators, which includes review of all case information, body-worn camera footage, and interviews, the ACRB board reviews the findings and meets to hear the complaints and decide on the matter. The ACRB board’s careful review and discussion of the materials allows for a fair and thorough process, followed by recommendations on remedial actions where a finding of misconduct is sustained. These investigatory powers help the ACRB bridge the gap between the police and the community. It provides a forum where citizens have a way to air their complaints through a fair and standardized process, and where the need for Atlanta’s police and corrections officers to adhere to the law and ethical standards is continuously reaffirmed.
In addition, the ACRB’s composition further helps drive a sense of trust through representation. The ACRB is composed of diverse community members representing all corners of the city of Atlanta. This representative structure, as well as the many outreach events held by the ACRB, play an important role in building community relations with law enforcement. By involving Atlanta residents in oversight, the ACRB helps to demystify police operations and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for public safety, enhancing mutual respect between the police and the community.
In sum, the ACRB’s mission is to provide Atlanta citizens with an avenue for credible, fair, and independent investigations which in turn enables the ACRB to provide appropriate and fair recommendations to the APD and ACD. The ACRB ultimately hopes to empower Atlanta citizens, ensure that police actions are just and fair, and contribute to safer, more harmonious and resilient communities that are rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and trust.