The Citizen’s Police Review Board (CPRB) was established through City Commission action in November of 1998, and the CPRB became operational in 1999. The CPRB was established to provide civilian review of the investigations of alleged police misconduct undertaken by the City of Muskegon. It is to encourage people who believe they have been mistreated by police officers to use the Internal Affairs system to have the officer’s conduct reviewed. It is intended to create a process that fairly evaluates the conduct of everyone involved to determine whether a breach of departmental rules and regulations has occurred.
As set forth by City Commission action, the board is made up of the following membership:
- Three members representing minority-based organizations
- Three members representing Neighborhood Associations of Muskegon
- One law enforcement professional
- Two citizens at large
This nine-person board is appointed by the Muskegon City Commission.
Appeal Process
Any formal complaint against an officer is first handled through the department’s Internal Affairs investigation procedure. The complainant completes and submits a complaint form online, at the Police Department, at the City Clerk’s Office, or by mail.
After the Internal Affairs investigation, the complainant will receive a complaint disposition form by registered mail. If the complainant wishes to appeal the findings or any other aspect of an Internal Affairs investigation, they may sign the bottom of the disposition form requesting a review by the Citizen’s Police Review Board and return the form within 10 days.
Appeals are placed on the agenda for the next available Citizen’s Police Review Board meeting. The complainant is notified of the meeting date, and the review board members are given copies of police reports and Internal Affairs investigation transcripts of the case involved. If it is available, the board may also view video from the event in question.
After hearing an appeal, the Citizen’s Police Review Board may submit a request to the City Manager that the City conduct supplemental investigations.
The Citizen’s Police Review Board will provide a written final decision with respect to the allegations made by the complainant. The final decision of the Board is sent to the City Commission, Director of Public Safety, City Manager, complainant, and officers.
For questions about the Citizen’s Police Review Board, contact the Police-Community Coordinator at (231) 724-6764