Long Beach opens applications for Police Oversight Commission

The application period to be one of seven commissioners for Long Beach’s recently created Police Oversight Commission — which will be tasked with reviewing high-profile incidents involving officers, providing input to its director, and getting feedback from the community — is now open.

The application window will run through Dec. 6, the city has announced, and folks interested in serving can file an online application at longbeach.gov/readytoserve.

Residents picked by the mayor as commissioners will work with Police Oversight Commission Director Francine Kerridge.

Kerridge was confirmed for the job by the City Council last month, following a nationwide search that included 86 applicants.

“This is a major step forward in our efforts to enhance public trust in our Police Department,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a press release, “and an important opportunity for members of the community to serve on a critical mechanism for accountability in our city.”

The seven slots are open to city residents who can meet the responsibilities of the commission.

Once appointed, the commissioners would be assigned to attend quarterly commission meetings, complete about 10 hours of preparation work each month, have at least two police ride-alongs each year, take and pass a LiveScan background check, and participate in required training.

Richardson said he plans to pick his appointees from the pool of applicants during the first week of the new year, and have them ready for the commission’s first meeting in March 2024.

The Police Oversight Commission was created in 2022 after voters approved Measure E to replace the former Citizen’s Police Complaint Commission.

Commission members will also have the opportunity to work closely with the City Manager Tom Modica, Long Beach Police Department Chief Wally Hebeish, Richardson, and the City Council.

“By applying to this commission,” Richardson said in a recorded message, “you’ll help to improve this amazing city by ensuring that the city’s police services are transparent to the public, accountable to our diverse communities and responsive to all residents of Long Beach.”