Iowa Law Ends Citizen Police Review Boards in Multiple Cities

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 311 into law, requiring cities with civil service commissions to disband citizen police review boards by August 16. These boards, which exist in at least six cities including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Dubuque, have historically provided community oversight and helped improve relations between police and residents. Republicans argue the boards interfere with law enforcement and violate officers' due process rights, asserting the new law supports police by ending politically motivated reviews. Democrats, including Rep. Elinor Levin, oppose the law, emphasizing that the boards foster dialogue and trust between communities and police, replacing adversarial relationships. The legislation also adjusts civil service commission structures and procedures related to police employee discipline. Despite opposition, the law aims to centralize police oversight within civil service commissions rather than citizen panels.