The Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission held its first meeting virtually Oct. 12.
The Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission had its first meeting Monday to prepare for creating a future police oversight commission.
The committee consists of 11 voting members, as well as several East Lansing city staff designated to assist them.
The voting members of the study committee include:
In terms of positions, Chuck Grigsby was elected as the committee chair and Tonya Williams as vice chair.
Grigsby also serves as East Lansing's Human Relations Commission chair.
Williams, however, has not served as a chairperson before.
"I'm looking forward to, one, the learning experience, but also to be a facilitator," Williams said. "...I'm actually very excited and glad that the city is taking this route to addressing policing issues."
Much of the meeting focused on what the commissioners would like to have presented at the next meeting, which is scheduled for Oct. 26.
Additionally, the meeting focused on time. Some commissioners suggested placing a time limit on meetings and others considered better ways to share ideas.
"With the previous lives that they (commissioners) had or current lives they're doing, you really have different motivations for being at the table," Grigsby said. "For me, I guess as the chair, I'm going to really make sure that everyone has an opportunity to really weigh in."
There was more brainstorming than structure, which Williams said she looks forward to.
Grigsby said that the committee's challenge with time is one of the best problems to have.
"I look forward to making sure that everyone is respected, heard and valued in what they do bring to the table," Grigsby said.
The next meeting will focus on ELPD data, determining structure and choosing guest speakers, Williams said.
The commission agreed to meet on the second and fourth Monday of each month going forward.
Public comment was restricted to five minutes for that night; however, time limits for future meetings will be decided at a later date.
Grigsby also encouraged the public to get involved in upcoming meetings.
The committee is set to meet for the next six months. At the end of this period, it will make recommendations about a police oversight commission to city council.
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