City officials should carefully consider Commissioner Jennifer Ananda’s request to give Lawrence’s Community Police Review Board increased access to investigation files in cases where racial or other bias has been alleged.

“It’s important to ensure that we aren’t just taking the word of either the complainant or the investigative body,” Ananda said. “So it’s not because I distrust either, but the more information that board members have in a review, the better recommendation they can make to the city manager.”

The Lawrence City Commission has been working to overhaul the Lawrence Community Police Review Board since 2016. The board’s role is to review misconduct and bias complaints against the police department.

The City Commission was to vote last week on new rules for the board. The new rules would allow the board to accept complaints against the police from the public and review the findings of bias investigations if the person who filed the complaint submits a written appeal. In those cases, the review board would review the circumstances in executive session and if members disagreed with the police’s outcomes, the board would make a recommendation to the city manager.

But the language of the ordinance is rather vague when it comes to what files the board can access.

The ordinance states that the board shall “review the police department’s investigation to determine if further investigation is needed.” Assistant City Attorney Maria Garcia said in some cases it may be sufficient to provide a written summary of the investigation. Garcia said that in other cases the board may elect to hear testimony from a witness or the investigator.

Ananda pushed for increased access to police files, arguing that the public and police would benefit. Based on the questions Ananda raised, the City Commission decided to push back voting on the ordinance.

“I think that here is our opportunity to say, ‘Look at how well our police department does,'” Ananda said. “‘Look at how open and transparent they are to having this review done, and committed to equitable policing in our community.'”

The Lawrence Police Officers Association expressed concerns over Ananda’s request. LPOA Chairman Drew Fennelly said the ordinance as proposed is sufficient and worried that releasing too much information could have unintended legal consequences.

Fennelly’s view is naturally protective of officers. But it’s also short-sighted.

The Community Police Review Board is a great idea that can serve as a model for other boards. Ananada is on track with her suggested changes — providing the board with more access to records and greater transparency is the best way to promote trust between the community and its police department.