TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Tampa City Council members are considering the end to community oversight of the police department. They’re citing a new law to repeal the Citizen’s Review Board.

The Citizens Review Board is a panel of 11 volunteers that look at disciplinary cases and other issues that involve the police.

Some council members wanted their takes on record.

“No one on city council wanted to do this — it was brought up by somebody in Tallahassee, am I correct? That ruled these boards, not acceptable to the laws of the state of FL?” Councilmember Charlie Miranda asked the city attorney, who said yes to both questions.

Earlier in the year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law limiting this type of civilian investigation.

Because of this legislation, some council members said their hands are tied.

“This is not a City of Tampa issue, it’s a Tallahassee issue, we need to conform with. I’ll be supporting that on the advice of our legal counsel,” Councilmember Alan Clendenin said.

The motion carried with a 5-2 vote. Council member Bill Carlson reminded everyone of why the CRB was created.

“The CRB was not meant to try to police the police. It was meant as reaction to try and control an administration that created racist policies. And somehow we’ve got to come up with a charter amendment or something that will prevent future administrations from doing that,” Carlson said. “We should not have racist policies in the city. There’s a big difference between enforcing the law, we need to stand behind our police officers, and we need to enforce our laws. But we should not create policies that discriminate against people because of their race.”

The board was formed almost 10 years ago and has caused concerns among community members.

In 2021, civil rights groups questioned the process for appointing board members.

At the time, Yvette Lewis, president of the NAACP said, “It is time for accountability with Tampa Police Department. It is time for transparency with the Tampa Police Department. It is time to rebuild the trust within the citizens.”

In response to criticism, Mayor Jane Castor said, “The Tampa Police Department is a wide-open book. They want as much oversight, they want the community to be involved, and they have invited everyone in.”

One of the founders of the CRB, Dr. Carolyn Collins, worries where the group stands.

“I would be very displeased if the city dissolves it completely,” Collins said. “I would hope that they would understand the value, the importance, and the significant contribution to the Citizen Review, to this community.”

Collins mentioned the lack of support from legislators and that following Tuesday’s election results, more could be at risk.

“We have no idea where this country is going after January 21, 2025,” Collins said. “So we put them in there and now we have to accept what they are handing out to us. So we ought to try to keep the city ready at least.”

A second reading on this matter is set for Dec. 5.