NC H399

Authorizes the City of Asheville to establish a law enforcement civilian oversight board to review allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers through local ordinance.

Board shall have 5-7 members who are qualified city voters, have not been employed by the city in the prior 7 years, cannot have felony convictions or Class A1 misdemeanors in the prior 7 years, and must complete a police ride-along and citizen academy within 12 months of appointment.

Board members serve 2-year terms with no consecutive terms, must sign confidentiality agreements, serve without compensation, and failure to maintain confidentiality is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000.

Board's powers limited to conducting confidential reviews of excessive force investigations and making findings and recommendations to the police chief; board cannot subpoena witnesses, conduct other reviews, or interview witnesses except law enforcement investigators.

Board meetings are confidential and not subject to open meetings requirements; written findings are personnel records; board must report semiannually and annually to the police chief and governing body in public reports; no State funds may be used to operate the board.