The draft bylaws for the oversight board were scrutinized, with concerns raised about their current lack of clarity regarding the board’s authority to investigate complaints independently from internal police processes. It was emphasized that the oversight board should serve as a meaningful entity capable of addressing community grievances, particularly those involving police conduct, to foster trust and accountability.

Discussion highlighted the necessity for the oversight board to report to the Town Council rather than the town manager. A proposal was made for the board’s composition to include individuals with diverse lived experiences, particularly from marginalized communities, to ensure it genuinely reflects the community it serves. The committee encountered resistance, including from members with law enforcement affiliations, regarding the creation of a robust oversight board. A memo from the police union further complicated discussions, as it opposed the board’s establishment, citing existing adequate relationships between the community and police department.

The meeting also addressed Crest’s integration into the community and its relationship with the Amherst Police Department (APD). Concerns were raised about the low number of referrals from the APD to Crest, prompting questions about the criteria used by police for such referrals. It was noted that Crest’s standard operating procedures are still under development, with expected completion by the end of the quarter.

There was a strong call for Crest to be recognized as a viable alternative to police responses for non-violent incidents, especially given the community’s ongoing concerns about police involvement. The committee emphasized the need for Crest to collect demographic data on those it serves to address potential discrimination issues and to demonstrate its efficacy in diverting calls that do not require police intervention.

The meeting also touched on the status of the $500,000 initially earmarked for the Youth Empowerment Center, which had apparently reverted to general town funds. This revelation prompted a call for clarification from the town manager and finance department, emphasizing the need for transparency in the allocation process. A member expressed concern over the funds being tied to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, which necessitates allocation by the end of 2024, further urging the need for public documentation.

In addition to these central topics, the committee discussed the implications of federal funding on local budgets, particularly in light of executive orders aimed at combating anti-Semitism and their potential impact on local practices and funding. Immigration was also a focus, with the committee proposing the addition of relevant information to the town’s website to enhance public access and understanding.