Berkeley council honors Arnie Passman and outgoing Police Review Commission members

At the start of its June 15 meeting the Berkeley City Council presented two proclamations. Councilmember Harrison read a proclamation recognizing longtime Berkeley writer and activist Arnie Passman and the mayor declared June 15, 2021 as Arnie Passman Day; the mayor noted Passman was ill and the city will mail official copies to his home.

The council also honored outgoing members of the Police Review Commission (PRC) for approximately 48 years of citizen oversight work. Council members praised the PRC for investigations, policy review and its role in developing Measure II, the recently adopted charter amendment that establishes a stronger Police Accountability Board. PRC chair Ismael Ramsey and several commissioners thanked the council and said many PRC members will continue serving on the new board.

Why it matters: Berkeley leaders framed the recognition as part of a historic effort to strengthen civilian oversight of policing. Councilmembers noted the PRC was one of the first civilian oversight bodies in the nation and thanked commissioners for investigations and policy contributions over the decades.

What happened next: The mayor said the council will vote at an upcoming meeting on an interim appointment for the Director of Police Accountability; staff said official proclamations would be mailed to honorees who could not attend in person.