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The Springfield City Council, shown above, gave first-step approval to an ordinance that would amend guidelines for a citizens board that reviews police misconduct complaints. From left to right, Timothy Rooke, Orlando Ramos, Clodo Concepcion, Justin Hurst, E. Henry Twiggs, Kateri Walsh, Michael Fenton, Kenneth Shea, Thomas Ashe ,Melvin Edwards, Bud L. Williams. Zaida Luna, and Timothy Allen

(File photo / Mark M. Murray)

SPRINGFIELD — The City Council gave first step approval this week to a new ordinance aimed at adjusting a citizen board that reviews police misconduct complaints, triggering a mixed response from councilors.

Several councilors praised the ordinance proposal for giving the council a role in the police review process, but some councilors said they do not see need for change, asking why fix something that is "not broke."

Councilor Timothy J. Allen, who sponsored the ordinance, said it largely preserves the current, seven-member citizen board and its given responsibilities, but would add council input. A key change is that rather than have the mayor appoint all seven members, Allen is proposing that the mayor appoint four members and the council president appoint three members with input from the community.

"This is more like a good government proposal," Allen said. "It's largely what we have in place now with a little more community involvement, better information for the public and a little more transparency."

The current board reviews police misconduct complaints and offers findings and recommendations to Police Commissioner John Barbieri, who has the power to discipline officers if wrongdoing is determined. The board's review and recommendation responsibilities would remain under the new ordinance, Allen said.

Councilors Thomas Ashe and Kenneth Shea both said they believe the current citizen review board has a good track record, In addition, the past two police commissioners, William Fitchet and Barbieri, have concurred with its findings and recommendations, Ashe said.

"I don't see how it's broken," Ashe said.

Councilor Kateri Walsh spoke in support of the ordinance, saying the council should have input.

Councilor Orlando Ramos said the activities of the committee are not well known to the community. He supports Allen's proposal but suggested that board members have staggered terms so there is never all new members at once.

Councilor Bud L. Williams said he wishes the board had "real powers" related to discipline, as did a former five-member Police Commission. However, he said Allen's proposal "goes a long way" to improving the current police review system.

The name of the board would change from Community Police Review Board to Citizens Police Hearing Board.

The board was created initially by former Mayor Charles Ryan and then revised by Mayor Domenic Sarno, intended to give the public a way to deal with complaints about police and provide a link with the community. It was initially formed as part of an agreement that settled a racial bias claim filed by a pastors group against the city in 2004.

Sarno said last week that the new ordinance, under consideration by the council, would improperly usurp the mayor's appointment powers granted under City Charter. In addition, Sarno said he is proud of the existing board's accomplishments in reviewing misconduct complaints and offering findings and recommendations to the police commissioner on disciplinary matters.

The council could consider final approval of the ordinance in April or May, after further discussion in committee, Allen said.

"It's a good first step," Council President Michael Fenton said Thursday. "I support the legislation but the matter isn't free from controversy. It's a hotly contested issue."

Sarno has not stated what steps he would take if the ordinance is passed by the council.

The mayor-appointed board was created by Sarno's executive order. In addition to reviewing complaints, its responsibilities include education and public outreach.



Under the guidelines, the board members receive advance training regarding the complaint process and legal issues. The ordinance would also stipulate that the mayor and councilors could to attend the training sessions, Allen said.

The ordinance also would provide for the citizens board to have administrative help with record keeping, Allen said.