In September 2023, the Office of the Police Oversight Monitor (OPOM) in Fort Worth took a decisive turn with Bonycle Sokunbi stepping in as the new independent police monitor. Two years into tenure, the agency has not only intensified community engagement but also revamped its accountability measures, according to a recent report from the City of Fort Worth. Marking stints at 150-plus community events, from coffee sessions to cultural festivals, OPOM has sought to actively construct rather than passively assume trust with the people it serves.
Emphasizing a hands-on approach, OPOM's team has ardently executed over 400 outreach activities to firmly, yet tenderly, bridge connections with stakeholders. From conversing with city officials and faith-based organizations to synchronizing with the police department, the aim was to allow for a deep understanding of their roles and challenges, thus fine-tuning oversight. Coffee meet-ups and district-specific listening sessions stood among the efforts that recorded high community participation, according to the City of Fort Worth release.
In the realm of innovation, OPOM has shown commitment to iterative improvement by managing a significant caseload: 189 complaints of alleged police misconduct were processed, and 149 reviews of internal investigations were carried out just in 2024. The installation of a Review Matrix and the initiation of a community-police mediation program—which boasts a remarkable 100% satisfaction rate—underscores OPOM's pledge to fundamental change.
