Citizen Police Advisory Review Board (CPARB)

What is CPARB?
The Mayor and City Council formed the Citizen Police Advisory Review Board (CPARB) in March of 1997 to review and comment on completed police investigations of complaints brought against the Tucson Police Department (TPD) by citizens. CPARB was formed as a proactive measure, rather than as a reaction to any specific perceived problems within the police department.

Who is on CPARB?
The Board has seven voting members, one of whom is appointed by the Mayor and the other six appointed by each city council member. The Board is joined by four advisory, non-voting, members who are selected by the voting members. The Independent Police Auditor and representatives of the Chief of the Tucson Police Department, the Tucson Police Officers Association (TPOA), and the City Manager’s Office also attend Board meetings. Please refer to the Board Members section for more details.

What does CPARB do?

CPARB reviews completed investigations of citizen complaints alleging Tucson Police Department officer misconduct in order to comment on the fairness and thoroughness of the investigation.
After the review, the Board offers comments and recommendations to the Chief of Police, the Independent Police Auditor, the City Manager, and the Mayor and Council on police department policy, procedure, and practice.
The Board brings the perspective of the community and the various wards to the process and helps provide a check and balance to the previously unreviewed system.
The Board conducts public outreach to educate the community on the role of CPARB and other agencies that investigate complaints against the police department.
The Board regularly receives training/briefings on a variety of topics and members are also required to go on ride alongs for the purpose of learning about police procedures in the field.
Please refer to the Rules and Procedures section for more details.

What does CPARB NOT do?

CPARB does not review internal complaints or board of inquiries for shootings.
The Board does not review, comment on, or recommend disciplinary action.
The Board does not conduct independent investigations.
The Board does not review complaints about other law enforcement agencies (e.g., Pima County Sheriff’s Office, University of Arizona Police Department).

How does CPARB differ from the Independent Police Auditor?
CPARB works closely with, but independently from, the Independent Police Auditor. They are complementary to one another. Unlike CPARB, which reviews cases AFTER Internal Affairs has completed their investigation, the Independent Police Auditor, a paid position, appointed by the City Manager, may be involved in the process of investigating a complaint at the same time the Office of Professional Standards is investigating a complaint. The Independent Police Auditor has direct access to the police department.

Who may file a complaint with CPARB?
Any citizen who is not satisfied with the Tucson Police Department’s investigation of a complaint may file a complaint with CPARB by calling the City Clerk’s Office at 791-4213, by writing to CPARB at P.O. Box 27210, Tucson AZ 85726, or by completing the review request form at this website. Citizens may also attend CPARB meetings and speak at the call to the audience portion of the meeting. Additionally, a member of the Tucson Police Department attends all CPARB meetings and is available to take initial complaints.

When does CPARB meet?
The Board meets the third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Main Library (101 N. Stone Ave.), Lower Level Meeting Room. The public is welcome to observe and may speak during the call to the audience. Please verify meeting date, location, and time with the City Clerk’s office at 791-4213. Please refer to the Schedule for tentative dates.