SALT LAKE CITY - Salt Lake City Council will meet Tuesday night to discuss a budget amendment that could change the way officer-involved shootings are investigated.
The council will consider approving a $30,000 budget for the Civilian Review Board to hire outside attorneys for legal advice. The board serves as one of many agencies that help review cases.
However, currently, when they need legal advice, they go to the City Attorney's office for help, which some consider a conflict of interest.
"This is a move toward transparency," said Council Chair James Rogers.
Rogers notes that the majority of the council, if not everyone, seems to be on board with the measure, as does Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski.
"I called for this a couple months ago during my State of the City Speech,” Biskupski said. "I am thrilled the council is considering taking action."
If the budget amendment is passed, it will go into effect fairly quickly and will continue throughout the remaining fiscal year ending in June. However, the Mayor's office expects to continue the resources for outside attorney help when it plans the 2016-17 budget.
"I think we'll make sure that in the budget I propose to the council going forward, that that is in there," Biskupski said.
