TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa city leaders are expected to vote Thursday to remove the Citizens Review Board. The move would end community oversight over the police.
Doctor Carolyn Collins, a founding member of the CRB, says the group is essential to the city’s safety.
“TPD and anyone else who wants to run for office and talk about Tampa, the talk about the reduction in crime,” she described. “If the crime was reduced, it too contributed to what the Citizens Review was doing.”
The panel of 11 volunteers was formed nearly 10 years ago. The group looks at disciplinary cases and other issues involving Tampa officers.
City council members are considering dissolving the board. Earlier in the year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law limiting this type of civilian investigation.
During council’s initial vote, members approved the end of the CRB with a 5-2 vote. Several council members said the newly signed law leaves them with no other option.
Collins worries what it could mean for the community.
“We have no idea where this country is going after January 21, 2025,” she said. “So, we put them in there, and no we have to accept what they are handing out to us. So, we ought to try to keep the city ready at least.”