Mayor Ginther Advances Legislation Establishing Roles and Responsibilities of Civilian Police Review Board
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today announced legislation that
codifies the Civilian Police Review Board is complete and has been advanced to
the Columbus City Council for consideration.
“In November 2020, voters overwhelmingly approved civilian
oversight for the Columbus Division of Police,” Mayor Ginther said. “Members of
the Civilian Police Review Board have been appointed and will soon begin a
search for an Inspector General. This legislation supplements the City Charter
changes made by the voters and represents the next important step in making the
Board and Inspector General part of the police reforms we seek.”
The legislation (File number: 1169 2021) details the duties
and responsibilities of the Board and Inspector General, including the
authority to develop administrative rules; receive, initiate, review and cause
the investigation of complaints of misconduct; make recommendations on
resolutions of complaints; and make recommendations on discipline.
The Civilian Police Review Board was one of the
recommendations of the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission appointed
by Mayor Ginther in 2018. Earlier this year, the Board of 11 members was
seated. The Board is expected to hold its first meeting in July.
City Council will now take up the code change and will
likely schedule public hearings before making any amendments and ultimately
passing the legislation before their August recess.