There already exists a seven-member, mayor-appointed Community Police Hearing Board.
Henry Twiggs speaks during the Ward 4 Democratic Caucus Day at Family Kitchen Restaurant in Springfield on February 4, 2006. STAFF PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER EVANS.
SPRINGFIELD – A special study committee established by the City Council has filed a proposal for an expanded, revamped citizen oversight board to deal with police brutality and misconduct complaints.
The proposed ordinance, which would establish a nine-member Police Oversight Board, is set to be considered by the City Council tonight, and follows several meetings and public hearings in recent months. The council meeting is at 7 p.m., at City Hall.
“My hope is that the majority of the council members will buy into it, and the stakeholders will buy into it,” said City Councilor E. Henry Twiggs, chairman of the 11-member study committee. “I am hopeful that what we are proposing will guarantee citizen participation as part of the oversight of the Police Department.”
There already exists a seven-member, mayor-appointed Community Police Hearing Board that reviews police misconduct complaints and files recommendations with Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet.
Some councilors and residents, however, have said the hearing board has inadequate powers and inadequate community outreach.
Some critics have suggested a return to a civilian Police Commission in Springfield with full disciplinary powers.
Twiggs said the study committee, consisting of six councilors and five residents, rejected the idea of returning to a Police Commission. The committee supports a single commissioner having final authority as stipulated in Fitchet’s contract, and that he can be held accountable, Twiggs said.
Under the study committee’s proposal, the new police oversight board would be appointed by the mayor, but would include four members recommended to the mayor by a caucus of various neighborhood councils and civic associations.
The board would accept civilian complaints, review the sufficiency of internal investigations, and act individually or as hearing officers. The board would still provide recommendations on discipline, but Twiggs said he and other study committee members believe the revamped ordinance ensures Fitchet would support those findings.
Under the existing board, Fitchet followed recommendations in all hearing cases, even exceeding the recommendation for discipline in one case, according to a year-end draft summary.
The new ordinance also requires the new oversight board to conduct public outreach and communication, Twiggs said.
With the expanded number of members, the new board will have the ability to separate into three panels to divide up the heavy workload as well as having full board meetings, Twiggs said.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who has repeatedly defended the existing hearing board, said he will await council action including amendments, before commenting on the new proposal.
In addition, Councilor Thomas Ashe is sponsoring an alternate ordinance that would create a five-member police oversight board. That proposal is also on the council agenda.