5 things we know about Mayor Ras Barakas plans for a civilian complaint review board in Newark 1.The board would have the power to subpoena officers to provide testimony before it, as well as command the police department to provide certain documents relative to their investigations. If it determines discipline is warranted, it would deliver a recommendation to Police Director Eugene Venable, who would make the final call as to whether punishment is handed down. 2.While disciplinary decisions will ultimately rest with Venable, the city is in the process of drafting a so-called “discipline matrix” that would provide guidelines for what punishment might be appropriate for various charges. The step is meant to prevent the board from handing down overly severe punishments, as well as ensure accountability from the police administration when making final determinations. 3.There is a lot of work left to do. Baraka has drafted an executive order that essentially gets the ball rolling toward forming a board. But he admits that a permanent board that fits his vision would require both a city ordinance and changes in state law — something that was not lost on Newark police unions. 4.The board will include a wide range of voices. Baraka will appoint an inspector general that may have ties to the police department, while the other eight members will be appointed by the Municipal Council and a handful of community organizations including the ACLU and the NAACP. 5.The announcement comes as the U.S. Department of Justice is making visible progress toward appointing a federal monitor to oversee various reforms in the police department. Last week, the agency posted an advertisement seeking applicants for the position.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:10:33 +0000
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