Envisioned and championed by Mayor Rocky Anderson even before he took office, the CRB is the first and only body of its kind in Utah to have an independent investigator and review board that is involved at all stages of the police department's internal review process and that provides independent oversight.

The CRB came into existence through a constructive collaboration between the city, the police department, the police unions and civil rights organizations. The board reviews all claims of excessive use of force and has the discretion to review other complaints filed with internal affairs against police officers. Citizens may also file complaints directly with the board.

The independent CRB investigator works alongside police internal affairs investigators, questioning witnesses and gathering information. Board members, who volunteer tremendous amounts of time and effort to the process, review internal affairs records, as well as the findings of the CRB investigator, and recommend a course of action.

By statute, I have final discretion over whether to sustain an allegation against an officer. The board may also recommend that action be taken to address frivolous or unfounded complaints against officers.

In short, the board serves the interests of the public and of our police force. In providing civilian oversight of internal police investigations, the board helps to ensure accountability and protect the rights of all involved.

As an independent oversight body, composed of a diverse membership from throughout our community, the CRB also gives the internal review process greater integrity and transparency.

Information about the results of a CRB recommendation on a possible case of excessive force against Miles Lund, a disabled veteran, in Liberty Park, was recently communicated by an unknown source to The Salt Lake Tribune ("City attorney takes over leak investigtion," Tribune, April 13). The information was disclosed before the officers were given the opportunity to give their side of the story at the pre-disciplinary hearing to which they are entitled, and before a final determination in the case has been made.

This disclosure violates and undermines the integrity of CRB procedures. The disclosure is also unfair to the officers involved, who, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the disciplinary proceedings against them, deserve the opportunity to defend themselves without being first tried in the media.

The city is obligated to ensure that important taxpayer-funded processes, such as the investigatory procedures carried out by the CRB in collaboration with the police department, function with integrity and fairness. Accordingly, the city, in collaboration with an independent entity, is conducting an internal review into the disclosure of the information.

Denigrating efforts to ensure fairness and integrity as being "Nixonian" ("Real Rocky wouldn't act like this," Tribune, April 17) shows little appreciation for fair and just city policy and demonstrates a misunderstanding of history.

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* CHRIS BURBANK is Salt Lake City police chief.