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Policy 301Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/04/18, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police DepartmentReview Boards - 1Review Boards 301.1 GENERAL At times, Department members are confronted with situations in which varying degrees of force or actions are used to protect life and property, affect an arrest, or discharging firearms in the performance of their duties. Department Members are also involved in incidents where their actions cause great concern to the Department and general public. The Santa Monica Police Department utilizes many different methods in our efforts to continually improve ourselves and the systems we work within every day. However, there are times when more formal, critical analysis of our operations is necessary. Therefore, in the interest of public safety and the safety of Department Members, the Santa Monica Police Department shall review critical incidents to ensure best practices are being utilized in policies, procedures, tactics, and training. 301.2 INCIDENT REVIEW BOARD 301.2.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The focus of the Incident Review Board (IRB) process is to identify areas for agency, unit, or individual improvement. The goal is to consistently increase the Department's ability to recommend necessary changes to policies, procedures, tactics, and training. The review process conducted by the IRB shall be independent of any other review or investigation by Internal Affairs, the Criminal Investigative Division, or any outside agency having jurisdiction over the investigation or evaluation of an incident involving a Santa Monica Police Department employee. The IRB does not have the authority to recommend discipline. Before an incident can be referred to the IRB, any personnel complaints should have already been initiated by the employee's supervisor, Lieutenant or administrator. However, in the event the IRB finds a potential policy violation that has not already been initiated, documented, or investigated, it shall be referred to the Division Commander for further review. The convening of a board may be tolled for an administrative investigation, criminal investigation or by order of the Chief of Police. Additionally, members who exhibited acts of bravery, courage, and/or exceptional performance shall be discussed and recommendation for the appropriate Department commendation shall be considered. 301.2.2 BOARD COMPOSITION The Deputy Chief's Executive Officer will be the Incident Review Board Chairperson and ensure that no members of the IRB have a conflict that would impact their objectivity or review of the incident. The responsibility of the Chairperson may rotate at the discretion of the Deputy Chief. The IRB composition shall consist of the following members: Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Review Boards Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/04/18, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police DepartmentReview Boards - 2•The Deputy Chief's Executive Officer, or Deputy Chief's designee, will serve as the Chairperson. •Member of equal job classification oIn a case involving a sworn member, the SMPOA shall appoint the Board member of equal rank. oIn a case involving a civilian member, the Board member shall be appointed by the Chairperson. •Union board member oIn a case involving a sworn member, the SMPOA Board member will be appointed by the SMPOA Board of Directors. oIn a case involving a civilian member, a representative from the concerned employee's labor union or association shall be appointed by the Chairperson. •Subject Matter Expert, depending on the type of IRB convening oPersons identified who exhibit an advanced level of expertise in performing and/ or explaining a specific duty assignment, task, or skill will be considered as, "Subject Matter Experts." oThis position will be appointed by the Chairperson. •Personnel and Training Sergeant, or designee. In a case involving a civilian member, an Incident Review Board shall consist of a member of similar classification within the police department and a representative from the concerned employee's labor union or association, both shall be appointed by the Chairperson. For a more comprehensive and complete review of the incident, additional members and/ or persons may be invited to attend by the Chairperson. For the purpose of the review, they shall be referred to as "Attendees" and shall be able to provide recommendations and/or comments to the Board, but they are non-voting members. Incident-specific members could include the following: •Training Division Representative •Special Weapons and Tactics team representative •Range Master •External law enforcement agency subject matter expert •External non-law enforcement subject matter expert 301.2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD The IRB is empowered to conduct an administrative review and inquiry into the circumstances of an incident. Members will review the material, discuss the incident, and identify any areas for improvement with specific proposals for addressing the issue if possible. Discussions shall focus on policies, procedures, tactics, training, equipment, use of force, and updates to best practices. Emphasis should be placed on identifying areas for improvement. Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Review Boards Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/04/18, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police DepartmentReview Boards - 3Specific subjects for review and recommendation include, but are not limited to, the following: •Training •Equipment and technology •Communications •Decision-making •Supervision •Policy, laws, or other departmental directives •Tactical deployment and teamwork •Award or commendation consideration (IRB may nominate a member for an award or commendation for further review by the awards committee) •Any issues