Boise Won’t Establish Police Panel Some Favor Independent Group In Wake Of Rash Of Shootings

Despite six shootings involving police officers in the past 20 months, Mayor Brent Coles said the City Council will not consider using an independent review panel to over-see police actions.

“We have come to the conclusion that a police commission would not provide any additional public confidence,” Coles said Wednesday. “If it’s the same argument as before, I don’t see the need for additional debate.”

At issue is an investigation into Sunday’s fatal shooting by police of 21-year-old James “Justin” Atkinson, who was unarmed. Police say officer Christopher Rogers fatally shot Atkinson after he refused to stop his car and dragged the officer down the street.

Atkinson was legally drunk at the time.

Coles said the shooting will be investigated by both the Boise Police Department and the Idaho Department of Law Enforcement. He refused to speculate on how long it would take.

Three council members said they would not be opposed to discussing use of an independent panel for the investigation.

“I just hate for us to be in a position where we won’t search for solutions,” City Councilwoman Paula Forney said. “I think that points to a lack of interest in our community and a lack of leadership.”

Council members Mike Wetherell and Carolyn Terteling joined Forney in their willingness to consider a panel. Councilman Jerome Mapp said he would rather wait until after the current investigation to discuss the issue again.

Councilwomen Sara Baker and Anne Hausrath could not be reached for comment.

The city is accountable for all police actions. Reviews of specific cases, such as the Atkinson shooting, are confidential by law and closed to the public.