KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Weeks after a scandal rocked the Kissimmee Police Department, city commissioners and community members convened Tuesday night to discuss the return of a civilian oversight board.
“It’s time to really expose the culture inside that department that’s gone on for far too long,” one resident said during the meeting.
The call to restore the board follows significant leadership changes in the police department.
Police Chief Betty Holland and Deputy Chief Camille Alicea resigned after the Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office raised concerns about questionable conduct involving nearly a dozen officers.
“We’ve heard from enough citizens to understand the need for transparency,” said Mayor Jackie Espinosa.
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At the meeting, commissioners expressed interest in reinstating the citizens review board, which had been disbanded in June due to a state law that went into effect on July 1. The new law restricts municipal oversight boards from reviewing police use-of-force complaints or disciplinary actions.
Under the proposed restructure, the board would consist of three to seven members appointed by Interim Police Chief Robert Anzueto, with one member required to be a retired law enforcement officer. The board’s role would focus on reviewing police policies and procedures and providing recommendations.
Anzueto said it should not have been disbanded.
“I think it adds a positive enhancement to our law enforcement community,” he said.
However, not everyone believes the oversight board is sufficient.
“I say we open the door. I say we let the light in, in a reasonable manner that can effect change,” one community member said. “The civilian oversight board has its hands tied by the Florida Legislature as it stands today.”
For former board member Nina Hill, the prospect of reinstatement is a step in the right direction.
Hill remembers when her board had public meetings, not many from the community attended. She hopes that will change this time around.
“If I have my way, I will be advertising it,” she said.
It’s unclear whether she’ll be reappointed.
“Whether I’m on the board, they’ll still see my face and for good reasons,” Hill said.
The commissioners have yet to take a final vote, but two public hearings are planned to allow residents to weigh in on the proposal.
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