Civilian Investigative Panel To Look Into Police Shootings
MIAMI (CBS4) - For Sheila McNeil the only thing greater than her grief is her frustration. Miami Police shot and killed her son, Travis McNeil, after he was pulled over after leaving a bar last week. Police haven't given details on what led to the shooting.
"There's no way my son should be laying on a slab right now, no way. He was never a violent child and I don't care if he got arrested 150 times, you had no right to take his life like that," cried McNeil.
The recent series of deadly shootings at the hands of Miami Police officers has prompted a series of vigils and demands for thorough investigations. Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito and police union leaders have maintained from the start that their officers are encountering more violent situations because they're cracking down on crime in the toughest neighborhoods in town.
Still, outraged community leaders and citizens expressed their concerns to the Miami Civilian Investigative Panel Tuesday night.
"You all were put here by citizens, some sitting here in this room. You have a duty, you have a charge," said activist Brian Dennis.
The CIP voted to investigate the seven fatal shootings at the hands of Miami Police officers since July, and it plans to look at the department's use of force policies- both written and verbal.
"We do have instruments available to us to make these people come and explain their actions," said panel member Thomas Cobitz.
McNeil welcomes any process that will bring answers.
"I want to know what happened to my child and I dont think that's too much of me to ask from anyone."
There is one challenge in the way of this newly formed investigation; money. The CIP's budget was slashed and it has only one investigator who already has a full case load. Panel members plan to ask the Miami City Commission for additional funding to help pay for this new investigation.
