ANAHEIM – The City Council might establish a citizens committee to investigate police excessive-force allegations following protests concerning officer-involved fatal shootings.

On Tuesday night, the council unanimously asked the city manager to develop a full plan for a police-oversight board, which the council could consider at some point.

The idea for police oversight stems from weeks of unrest over the summer following a series of fatal police shootings, particularly of two Latino men a day apart in July.

Since then, community members, including relatives of those who were shot, have repeatedly complained to council members about police actions, accusing officers of “murder” and “assassination.” Also, some said they distrust the Police Department, saying that officers failed to respond to complaints.

“We need to find a way to address that so they have a level of comfort,” Councilwoman Gail Eastman said.

Anaheim police incidents are reviewed in four ways, including by the District Attorney’s Office, which decides if there will be criminal prosecution, and the 22-member Chief’s Advisory Board. Since 2004, the 22-member board, which includes school officials and religious leaders, has served as a sounding board for the police chief.

Under the council’s recommendation, the advisory board likely would get the power to investigate incidents when officers use fatal force or cause “great bodily harm.” The board would hold community meetings and make a public report to the city manager, who would review recommendations with the police chief.

Members may be appointed by the City Council or selected another way.

The police union opposes a new review board, saying it’s unnecessary. Anaheim police officers responded to 132,038 calls last year. Nineteen complaints were made by residents.

“We have not even come close to becoming a corrupt Police Department,” said Kerry Condon, president of the Anaheim Police Association. “I believe in a civilian-review board for those who can’t handle their business. We’re not one of those.”

No Anaheim officer has been found guilty of a bad shooting, city officials said, although some of the incidents remain under investigation.

But some community members said they believe oversight would help.

“I’ve been fighting for this,” said Theresa Smith, whose son was killed in an officer-involved shooting in 2009 and has led regular protests. “I think having the oversight will help the families, the police. This has been happening too long.”

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