The Police Review Project (PRP) focuses on supporting survivors of police brutality and police abuse through direct-client work and research. There are two different branches within PRP that work to achieve these goals.
The Police Review Project (PRP) advocates for survivors of police brutality and police abuse through direct-client work and research. We represent clients who file complaints against members of the Berkeley Police Department with the Berkeley Police Accountability Board (PAB). Our students assist clients from drafting to complaints all the way through the hearing process. Specifically, our students interview complainants and help them understand the PAB process, communicate with the Board regarding any new evidence and witnesses, prepare complainants for their hearing, and present opening and closing statements on behalf of complainants at their hearing, if one is granted. After the hearing, the complaint is either dismissed or sustained. If a complaint is “sustained,” meaning the PAB agrees that misconduct took place, they submit their findings to the Chief of Police. Students also have the option to attend public PAB meetings to provide feedback to the city on the PAB process’s strengths and weaknesses. Our mission is to provide support to community members who have been negatively impacted by police misconduct, so they do not have to navigate this unfamiliar process on their own.
PRP is also engaged in policy work with police reform and accountability mechanisms. The PRP has worked both with the City of Berkeley and with the ACLU of Louisiana on these matters. We anticipate reengaging with the ACLU of Louisiana in the Spring of 2025, and members of our SLP should expect to engage in policy work with the ACLU.
Supervision: Students in the Police Review Project receive supervision from attorneys at the ACLU of Louisiana and community attorneys specialized in police accountability.
Time commitment: 2-3 hours per week including biweekly meetings and trainings (dates TBD).
For more information, please contact the student leaders at berkeleypolicereviewproject@berkeley.edu.