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Police Review Commission 2019 Annual Report Page 25 Commission meeting to make a presentation about the BPD's crisis intervention training, and about the protocols, staffing, and funding of both agencies. • In October, BPD Sergeant Spencer Fomby and Lieutenant Joe Okies conducted a presentation for the PRC on the Department's Special Response Team. Commissioners learned about the history and structure of this team; the specialized tactical training that officers undergo, its various mission types, and real -life examples of the team's response in high -risk incidents. • Several Commissioners staffed a table at the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival in June, to publicize the work of the Police Review Commission and the services available to members of the public. The Chair attended local National Night Out events in August, an evening of neighborhood bonding and crime prevention awareness. Commission Restructuring — Charter Amendment In 2018, the Police Review Commission submitted to the City Council a proposed amendment to the City Charter that would significantly strengthen the oversight body's powers and broaden its authority. The Council modified the proposal and directed the City Manager to commence meet -and -confer proceedings with affected unions. Those proceedings continued throughout 2019 with the expectation of concluding in 2020. Police Department Commendations The PRC regularly reviews letters of commendation of employees of the Police Department from both members of the public and fellow departmental employees. In recognition of the numerous examples of exemplary service to the community, the Commission extended its own appreciation and commendations to more than 150 sworn officers and civilian staff of the BPD in 2019. SB 1421 Responses A groundbreaking state law known as Senate Bill 1421 went into effect on January 1, 2019, allowing certain law enforcement personnel records — previously confidential — to be made public. The four categories of records now releasable in response to Public Records Act requests are those related to incidents where: 1) a law enforcement officer discharged a firearm at a person, 2) a law enforcement officer's use of force resulted in death or great bodily injury; 3) a sustained finding was made of sexual assault by a law enforcement officer, and 4) a sustained finding was made of a law enforcement officer's 65D-42