Oakland needs tough police accountability. But it also needs citizen oversight that’s professional and respectful, and it doesn’t need wasteful layers of bureaucracy that undermine the effort.

Measure S1 on the Nov. 3 ballot would increase the authority, autonomy and responsibilities of the city’s Police Commission and Community Police Review Agency. It would also add a new Office of Inspector General to investigate and review the city’s handling of police misconduct.

The changes would strengthen the independent citizen oversight of the city’s troubled Police Department, which is why voters should approve Measure S1.