As the police become increasingly militarized, and our world increasingly surveilled, the Police Review Project (PRP) believes in holding those wielding the power of the law accountable for their misconduct while working toward a more just system. Specifically, PRP advocates for police reform and accountability measures through policy research, community outreach, and assisting with ongoing civil litigation. We believe that unchecked and arbitrary police power used in the name of the people against the people is one of the greatest threats to democracy.
Our mission is to support efforts to ensure practices of local police departments do not result in harm to the communities they are meant to protect. Students will receive hands-on training from a practicing civil rights attorney about various aspects of the criminal legal system. Trainings by our supervising attorney will include learning about bringing litigation against police departments, conducting client intake, and issues surrounding police accountability. Students may also have the opportunity to watch relevant court proceedings.
This year, PRP members will be working with Berkeley and San Jose’s police accountability auditors, assisting with legal research and writing as well as policy research and reform. Students will also be assisting the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law with its police oversight work in San Francisco. Past partners have included the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Center for Protest Law and Litigation.
Supervision: Students in the Police Review Project receive supervision from community attorneys specialized in police accountability.
Time commitment: 2-3 hours a week with meetings every other week on Thursday evenings.
For more information, please contact the student leaders at berkeleypolicereviewproject@berkeley.edu.