HOUSTON – The voices calling for transparency and independent police oversight grew louder following several recent officer-involved shootings and the death of George Floyd.
Houston has a long-established independent police oversight board, but critics question whether the board is given enough authority.
“The structure and the bones are there for the oversight board but it needs to be built upon.”President of the Houston Police Officers’ Union Joe Gamaldi argues the oversight board has a “robust set of powers.”“We have embraced the independent oversight board, we are not scared of another set of eyes.
Gamaldi said the oversight board does make recommendations on officer discipline and training.
During a recent protest seeking justice for Floyd in Houston, Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo was embraced by some while excoriated by others.