Good article from @nedoliver in the @MercuryVirginia today documents state legislators' proposals for civilian police review. But it shows how law enforcement will muddy the waters to try to prevent oversight. A quick #thread
1/
Chesapeake chief Kelvin Wright opposes civilian boards with disciplinary powers. Not because they would fire bad officers - he worries boards "would be too lenient"! 2/
But he's airing a particular gripe he has against a civilian grievance board reinstating a single officer. This is an HR/grievance issue with a cop he's tried to fire. It has NOTHING to do with civilian oversight
3/ pilotonline.com/news/crime/vp-…
More troubling - VA sheriffs argue they don't need review because they are elected officials. Elections are "the ultimate review board." 4/
But sheriffs often run unopposed, in small-turnout elections without partisan cues, where citizens are largely unaware of what they even do - the "long ballot" problem is longstanding in American politics and frustrates democratic accountability
5/
theatlantic.com/politics/archi…
For example, the Mercury article includes quote from rep to Fluvanna County Sheriff. Fluvanna Sheriff Eric Hess ran unopposed in last 2 elections, with lower vote totals than #VAGeneralAssembly races
6/
Since VA is a #DillonRule state, state legislative action may be important for empowering local government review boards. #VAGeneralAssembly should not let these "arguments" distract from this important task in upcoming session
7/End
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