3.32.090 Powers and duties.

The commission established by this chapter shall have the following powers and duties:

A.    To advise and make recommendations to the public, the City Council, and the City Manager;

B.    To review and make recommendations concerning all written and unwritten policies, practices and procedures of whatever kind and without limitation, in relation to the Berkeley Police Department, other law enforcement agencies and intelligence and military agencies operating within the City, and law enforcement generally, such review and recommendation to extend to, but not be limited to, the following:

1.    Treatment of rape victims,

2.    Police relationship with minority communities,

3.    Use of weapons and equipment,

4.    Hiring and training,

5.    Priorities for policing and patrolling,

6.    Budget development,

7.    Other concerns as specified from time to time by the City Council;

C.    To receive complaints directed against the Police Department and any of its officers and employees, and fully and completely investigate said complaints and make such recommendations and give such advice relating to departmental policies and procedures to the City Council and the City Manager in connection therewith as the commission in its discretion deems advisable; provided as follows:

1.    That investigation of all complaints filed with the commission shall begin immediately after complaints are filed and proceed as expeditiously as possible,

2.    That all such complaints filed with other offices, boards, bureaus and departments of the City, including the Police Department, shall be referred to the commission for investigation,

3.    That regular quarterly reports relating to the number, kind and status of all such complaints shall be made by the commission to the City Council and the City Manager;

D.    Consistent with provisions of the City Charter and to the extent permissible by law, to exercise the power of subpoena;

E.    To adopt rules and regulations and develop such procedures for its own activities and investigations as may be necessary and to publish and file same with the office of the City Clerk, and to do such other things not forbidden by law which are consistent with a broad interpretation of the ordinance codified in this chapter and its general purposes; and

F.    To take testimony under oath. (Ord. 5397-NS § 1, 1981: Ord. 4644-NS § 10, 1973)