Date: Mon 30-Nov-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

police-civilian-review-board

Full Text:

Police Panel Rejects Civilian Review Bd Proposal

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Police Commission members have turned down a proposal to create a civilian

review board for the police department, saying such an agency is not needed in

town.

Civilian review boards provide a forum at which members of the public air

their grievances about police department operations. Large cities often have

such boards.

A review board would function as a buffer between the Police Commission and

the police department, said commission member Carol Mattegat. Mrs Mattegat

said she does not understand how such an agency would fit into the way the

town conducts its business. She said she understands how a review board

functions in larger cities.

The police department practices "community policing," said commission member

James Reilly. As such, a civilian review board is not necessary, he said. A

review board would be at odds with the Police Commission's role, he said.

Police Commission members agreed that members of the public are welcome to

speak at commission meetings, noting the commission consists of people elected

to the agency.

Commission member Charles Pilchard said civilian review boards are designed to

operate in municipalities larger than Newtown.

Anyone who has a problem with how the police conduct themselves while on duty

can attend Police Commission meetings and raise issues, Mrs Mattegat said.

The commission is set up to address complaints from the public and does not

need the services of a review board, said Chairman Robert Connor, Jr.

Commission members discussed the idea of forming a civilian review board after

reviewing literature on the topic.