COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and other leaders discussed the Civilian Review Board work group recommendations and outlined more specifics about the board on Wednesday.
In the November election, voters approved a change to the city's charter to add the board to review the Columbus Division of Police.
The board would direct, fund and staff an independent inspector general department that would investigate allegations of misconduct and other police actions.
A working group was put together to figure out who would be part of the board.
Those who are interested in being part of the board can start applying.
“Members will be appointed by me and with the consultation of Columbus City Council,” Ginther explained.
The mayor said there will be some training involved for members but they will not require specific training, like a ride-along with police officers.
Once members have been seated, they will be responsible for hiring an inspector general.
The group will look at uses of force, officer-involved shootings and more.
“They would also look at patterns of behavior. One of the things the CRB would be looking at is are we seeing something that our officers or division as a whole are doing as a certain practice,” said Mo Wright, President of the RAMA Consulting Group.
The mayor wants the group to have subpeona and discipline power, but that still has to be negotiated with the fraternal order of police.
“Making a recommendation to the chief on discipline is going to be very important to reassure the public and restore the public's trust in law enforcement,” Ginther said.
The mayor estimates the board will cost the city about $1 million a year.
The members will serve staggered three-year terms.
Wednesday's discussion can be watched in the player below.