What is Redwood City’s Police Advisory Committee?

Editor's Note: The Redwood City Pulse spoke with Council Member Michael Smith before the arrest of Victor Montano, which ultimately resulted in an internal police investigation. 

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As some Redwood City residents grapple with whether the "Climate Best" town's police department is akin to those of cities who've seen multiple police controversies, members of a newly installed police oversight board are still laying down its foundation. 

In its first six months of operation, the Redwood City Police Advisory Committee has already seen turnover, as one committee member appointed earlier this year resigned in September, citing conflicting commitments that prevented them from focusing on committee responsibilities. As a result, council member Michael Smith selected a new committee member, Bill Newell, a Redwood City School District teacher. 

"I had a conversation with Bill just before the first appointment, and I really found him to be a thoughtful guy," Smith said. "He has a background in data analysis. He also has a background in organizing communities of color."

Even though Newell was not his first choice, Smith said he felt that Newell could adequately represent and understand the significance of the issues he'd be dealing with as an advisory member.

"That's really the reason why I chose Bill," Smith said. "I think of all of the remaining candidates, he, for me, was someone who could be as unbiased, as rigorous in thinking, and also as open to a progressive reimagining of the policing apparatuses."

The police advisory committee was established in March 2021, less than one year after the mass protests following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Following the incidents, city leaders initiated townhalls and racial inequity conversations to address policing tactics.

"Quite a bit of an uprising happened among the youth of our communities of color who were really interested in driving forth change in the public safety apparatus here in Redwood City," Smith said. "So even though Redwood City itself did not have a situation equivalent to George Floyd, although, I will say there have been things that have happened in association with the police department."

While Smith did not elaborate on any specific incidents, he said the relationship between the community and the police department at the time was a "mixed bag."

"And I think that's why I would say that the makeup of the committee's actually very balanced," he said, adding that committee members differ widely in their opinions on the future of law enforcement in Redwood City. 

The Police Advisory Committee is just that; An advisory body with no authority or control over what happens to police officers if they are violating policing policies. 

The police advisory committee is a liaison that communicates with the police chief and city manager and then reports to the city council members, Smith said.

At the city council meeting on Monday, residents spoke out against police's use of force on a man being arrested and who police accused of multiple crimes. 

Clara Jaeckel, who is on the Redwood City Police Advisory committee but was not speaking in that capacity, said she found the two-minute-long video "disturbing" and questioned the city's commitment to progressive ideals. 

"Indeed, I am speaking to you city council members at this meeting tonight precisely because you did not empower the police advisory committee to review police conduct in specific incidents," Jaeckel said. "Redwood City still doesn't have a forum for civilian oversight or independent review."

She added. "We have heard repeated claims that the Redwood City Police Department is more progressive than those in other areas of the country, better trained in making better use of deescalation. We did not see those claims borne out in this case."

In a statement to the Pulse, City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz said the city is working with the community to "understand and respond to more people" experiences in our community.

"We want to ensure everyone in Redwood City feels welcome and can thrive," she said. "The Police Advisory Committee brings our residents more directly into the conversation about policing in Redwood City as we create positive change together."

Aside from Newell, 10 other committee members – each with two-year terms — are on the police advisory committee, seven directly appointed by council members from each district.

Smith said he is optimistic and realistic about the future of the advisory board.

"It’s still trying to find its way. It’s still very early on," he said. "I think that the vision that those activists and those within the community groups interested in seeing a reimagining … It’s going to take a little bit of time."

Newell could not be reached for comment.

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