The City of Fresno announced the 37 members of the new Police Reform Commission Friday. The city council, mayor, and mayor-elect all committed to taking the recommendations seriously.
The commission’s roster includes Fresno State NAACP president D’Aungillique Jackson, retired judge Robert Oliver and representatives from non-profits, religious organizations, and law enforcement. Former police officer, council member, and now Commission Chair Oliver Baines said the group was open to those who asked to participate.
“It’s very rare to have the council unanimously support this work along with the administration and the new administration,” said Baines. “It’s a unique time in our history and I intend to take full advantage of it.”
None of the commissioners will be compensated, and while the meetings will be closed to the public, they plan to engage the community and get feedback. Council President Miguel Arias said the commission will have 90 days to make recommendations.
“Most importantly, you have the commitment that we will honor the recommendations and not treat them like a dusty book and put them on a shelf,” said Arias. “We are committed to bringing your recs to life through selection of a police chief, our city budget, and changing all relevant policies that are recommended by the commission.”
The commission was first announced last week after the Fresno State NAACP presented a list of demands to the council, calling for discipline against the officer who shot and killed Isiah Murrietta-Golding, and a review of how city policies unfairly affect the health and livelihoods of those in West Fresno.
