The public is a step closer to knowing why Toronto police engaged in controversial tactics during the G20 summit, after the police services board set the terms for an independent civilian review.

The review will be carried out by a former judge, to be publicly named Sept 23, and who will tackle troubling questions such as what orders were given that led to the arrest of more than 1,000 people and the “kettling” of peaceful protesters.

“This review . . . will help us understand not only what didn’t work but what worked,” said chair Alok Mukherjee, moments before the board approved the six-page terms of reference, outlining key areas to be addressed.

But John Sewell, of the Toronto Police Accountability Coalition, fears the review will be toothless and called for a “full public inquiry” into the “largest mass arrest in Canadian history.”

“(The review) is very limited because it does not deal with police who don’t work for the Toronto Police Service,” said Sewell, noting officers from other jurisdictions also worked the summit.

“A full public inquiry is what is needed with powers of subpoena and the calling of evidence from all parties, including other police forces involved,” said Sewell, who addressed the board and Police Chief Bill Blair on Tuesday.

“We ask that the board request the provincial and federal government to undertake such an inquiry.”

Sewell also suggested additions to the review’s terms of reference, such as what costs were incurred by Toronto police and how that money was allocated.

Councillor Pam McConnell, the board’s vice-chair, noted that calls for an inquiry should be directed to Ottawa. But she echoed Sewell’s concerns about the summit’s policing costs, saying she has seen dramatically different figures, ranging from $100 million to $1 billion.

In total, 1,105 people were arrested over the three-day period, from June 25-27, as protesters and police clashed downtown. Of that, only 278 were charged. The rest were released unconditionally or never booked.

As part of the review process, any person or organization may be asked to provide relevant information or records, including video recordings. The reviewer will be able to hold public or private meetings, interviews and consultations.

Among the subjects to be reviewed:

• Why did police disperse demonstrators from their designated area at Queen’s Park and detain protesters on the Esplanade?

• Why did police use a tactic known as “kettling,” in which protesters were corralled into a tight, enclosed space without access to food, water or bathrooms?

• What orders were given by Toronto police in response to the destruction of cruisers and damage of property in the financial district, and along Queen and Yonge Sts.

• What orders were given by police about using tear gas to disperse people outside the prisoner detention centre on Eastern Ave.?

• Did officers remove or cover their name badges or badge numbers?

In a written submission to the board, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association noted that the absence of a “hard deadline” for a final report may cause the public to lose faith in the process.

Instead, the association proposed that the reviewer provide “regular public updates” that would include “any meetings, interviews and consultations held.”

The board said it would refer all suggestions to the reviewer.