Iowa civilian police review boards dissolve, complying with state ban

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Iowa City City Council voted to begin dissolving its Community Police Review Board following the enactment of a new state law that bans citizen-led police oversight commissions, The Iowa City Press Citizen reported.

Senate File 311, which took effect Aug. 16, renders such boards illegal across Iowa. The move affects Iowa City and other municipalities including Cedar Rapids, Ames, Coralville and Dubuque.

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The decision comes just days after the CPRB itself unanimously recommended its own dissolution, stating in a letter to the council that ending the board would allow the city to reallocate resources to a staff-led oversight process aimed at building community trust.

Created in 1997 and renamed in 2013, the CPRB reviewed nearly 200 complaints in its 28-year history. Of those, 19 cases resulted in at least one sustained finding of misconduct. The majority were not sustained, with the rest either dismissed or withdrawn. Allegations ranged from unprofessional conduct to excessive force and harassment.

Council members criticized the new state law, with Councilor Oliver Weilein calling it “stupid” and arguing that while the CPRB lacked subpoena power and had limited authority, it still played a role in community accountability.

The council must vote again at a future meeting for the dissolution to become official, likely finalizing the board’s end by September. For now, the CPRB’s schedule remains empty as the city prepares next steps.

What value do you think citizen-led police oversight boards offer in law enforcement?

Police1 readers respond

• They definitely hurt. They have no concept of what we do.
• Arizona requires 80 hours of training for any member of a oversight board.

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