A focal point of the meeting was the presentation on the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAC). Established in December 2020, OPAC serves as an independent civilian agency overseeing the Boston Police Department. Its establishment followed national calls for police reform triggered by the death of George Floyd. The executive director outlined OPAC’s functions, noting it provides a centralized platform for individuals to voice concerns about police conduct. OPAC investigates complaints against police officers and reviews internal affairs investigations to ensure thoroughness and fairness.

The organizational structure of OPAC was discussed, including its relationship with the Civilian Review Board (CRB) and the Internal Affairs Oversight Panel (IOP). The CRB, composed of nine civilian members, investigates complaints and makes accountability recommendations. Chaired by Tony Fugate, the IOP includes legal professionals who review internal affairs investigations. The executive director emphasized that OPAC’s existence allows civilians to approach the agency directly, bypassing the Boston Police Department’s Internal Affairs, which enhances transparency and community trust.

During the meeting, the significance of OPAC’s subpoena power was underscored. The commission can issue subpoenas for officers, witnesses, and documents, akin to judicial powers. This capability is important for conducting thorough investigations and ensuring accountability. The process of issuing subpoenas requires a two-thirds agreement from board members present, highlighting the collaborative nature of decision-making within the agency.

Public comments further enriched the meeting, with community members raising various concerns. One participant questioned the accountability of police investigations into human sex trafficking and missing children cases. In response, officials reiterated OPAC’s role as an independent civilian entity, distinct from the police department, responsible for oversight and accountability.

Another discussion focused on language access issues within the criminal justice system. Spanish interpreter Jose Gutierrez shared experiences of inadequate language support for defendants in lockup, potentially affecting legal outcomes. Although the agency had not recorded many complaints specifically related to interpretation issues, there was a consensus on the need for better systems to address language access concerns.

Community engagement strategies were also a prominent topic. Efforts to hold meetings in various neighborhoods were highlighted to increase accessibility and foster public dialogue. Coffee hours and open door events have been organized to facilitate direct communication between the public and agency staff. The agency has utilized digital billboards and social media to promote its initiatives and enhance outreach.

The meeting further explored collaboration between departments to enhance community safety. Justice Williams, from the mayor’s office of LGBTQ+ advancement, emphasized the importance of ongoing training and dialogue, particularly for marginalized groups. Williams advocated for more training for police officers to understand and engage with diverse communities, highlighting the interconnectedness of identities and experiences.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the cooperation level between the board and the Boston Police Department. While acknowledging increased cooperation, challenges remain, particularly in securing police officer attendance at meetings. The subpoena power was reiterated as a critical tool for ensuring accountability and transparency. The board recognized its role in providing oversight and expressed a commitment to engage with the BPD to drive necessary changes.