JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Many times over several decades, community activists have called for a citizens' review board to look at police-involved shootings in Jacksonville.
With calls for outside investigations into the shooting of Vernell Bing Jr., after a chase in May, and Keith Crowder, during a traffic stop last week, several Jacksonville City Council on Wednesday heard residents' reasons why such a panel is needed, and at least one agreed.
A number of speakers and some city council members believe that Sheriff's Office should never investigate their own shootings and they want a citizens’ advisory board to oversee those investigations.
Since the sheriff is an elected official, the City Council has no oversight over the sheriff's office other than budgeting unless changes were made to the city charter.
"Got to get in, sit down and have some honest dialogue and look at the laws," Pastor R.L. Gundy said. "There are four ways to fix this. The most viable option is to put the sheriff's office back under the authority of the city."
No county in Florida that has a citizens' review board, but there are some city police departments that do.
"What I want to do is take a look at all of the options we have," City Councilwoman Katrina Brown said. "I'm looking to do legislation to create the citizens' board."
Neither the sheriff nor any of his top staffers attended the meeting. That didn't sit well with those who did.
"I think the sheriff's absence is rude, despicable and obnoxious, and he owes the entire Jacksonville community apology," Southern Christian Leadership Conference spokesman Ben Frazier said.
News4Jax has asked the sheriff for his response, but had not received a response by 5 p.m. Wednesday.
City Council could take up the matter in three to four weeks.
No county in Florida that has a citizens' review board, but there are some city police departments that do.