This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The reinstated Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board is investigating its first case of possible police misconduct in several years, but its process is being questioned.

Members shut out the public Thursday afternoon as it deliberated, saying it’s required by an ordinance.

“We want the public to be involved in this process. It’s only going to be a useful tool to the public if they are involved in the process,” said Paul Garner with the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.

He has fought to reinstate CLERB for years, saying it will provide accountability and transparency — only if the public is involved, though.

The board was reinstated last year. The council even gave them subpoena power.

“There are some kinks that need to ironed out, and as the new board members are getting oriented on this process, there are going to be some hiccups,” said Garner.

Mayor Jim Strickland agrees. He wouldn’t go on camera, but in a statement, he said, “I wants the process to be open, and would encourage the city council to amend the ordinance, so that the public is not shut out from future CLERB meetings.”

“If that’s something the council wants to change, we have no problem. We are just there to serve. There is nothing we can benefit from closing the meeting,” said Pastor Ralph White, the chairman of CLERB.

White said since he can remember, the board has always closed its door during deliberations.

“There is no personal agendas, no closed-door meetings or whatever. Everything we say and every finding we come by, we are going to make sure it’s well documented,” he said.

White said he wants the public to be involved. He’s also trying to get the board to meet in different places across the city, so everyone has a chance to go to meetings.

Right now, the board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 2 p.m. at City Hall.

There’s a good chance these issues will be brought up during the City Council’s committee meetings this Tuesday.

WREG reached out to the Memphis Police Association for their opinion but has yet to hear back.