PHOENIX — The Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board passed a resolution in support of civilian oversight for the Phoenix Police Department.
Governing Board Member Naketa Ross says students have voiced their concerns at school board meetings about encounters they've had with police officers in their neighborhood.
"Our students have talked about having guns pulled on them and the trauma that happens after that," Ross said. "And feeling unsafe driving to and from school, being afraid that if they get pulled over what will happen, will they be harassed by a police officer, will they make it home safely? These are some of the things that they've heard, I've heard specifically."
The school board passed a resolution saying they support an independent, investigative, transparent and community-driven civilian review board of the Phoenix Police Department.
In November, members of the public showed up to a city council meeting to debate whether an oversight committee was needed.
The conversation was prompted by multiple use of force incidents involving Phoenix Police over the last year.
The issue has many divided. The Phoenix Police Officer's Association president has said there are already citizens serving on several boards within the city.
While he isn't opposed to possibly adding more citizens, he feels an independent board is unnecessary.
An official date on when the issue will be voted on has not been announced. Mayor Kate Gallego had said a decision could be made sometime this year.
