Boulder Police Oversight Panel Unanimously Approve Update to Bylaws

On Sept. 9, the Boulder Police Oversight Panel unanimously approved an update to their bylaws. The update was necessary to comply with Ordinance 8609, adopted by the City Council on Oct. 19, 2023. In total, the updated bylaws have 17 sections. Many of these sections come directly from Ordinance 8609. They also codify the Panel’s existing practices and more clearly define the Panel’s purpose, role and operations.

The most notable bylaw changes are to the order of business conducted at meetings and case reviews. Based on feedback received the order of business during panel meetings was changed to allow for earlier public comment. The Panel also memorialized the requirement that new Panel members will shadow another panel member who completed at least three case reviews, before being able to sign up to review any case. Additionally, the updated bylaws now allow for the formation of ad hoc committees, emergency or special meetings, and if necessary, a suspension of their bylaws.

“This work comes to complete the efforts started last year with the new ordinance, to provide the Panel with the structure and bases to perform the duties that the community has entrusted us with,” Panel Co-Chair Soledad Diaz. “We are very grateful for the thoughtful and thorough process that leads us to this point.”

Boulder’s Police Oversight Panel meets on the second Monday of every month and the meetings are open to the public. For more information on upcoming meetings or to view previous meetings visit https://bouldercolorado.gov/police-oversight-panel.

Another way to stay connected with police oversight updates is to sign up for their quarterly e-newsletter at https://bouldercolorado.gov/police-oversight-newsletter. lorado.gov/police-oversight-newsletter.