City of Columbus Seeking Applications for Civilian Police Review Board Vacancy
The City of Columbus is currently accepting applications to
fill a vacancy on the Civilian Police
Review Board, which was overwhelmingly approved by Columbus voters in
November 2020 to provide civilian oversight of police for the first time in
city history. Specifically, the board works to review complaints of police
misconduct, decide whether an independent investigation should be initiated and
offer specific recommendations for discipline.
The board consists of eleven members with a broad range of
perspectives and experiences. Janet Jackson – a former city attorney and Franklin
County municipal judge – serves as board chair. Board members serve staggered
three-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms of service.
“The overarching goal of the Civilian Police Review Board
is to restore trust in law enforcement by ensuring transparent investigations
and holding officers who have done wrong accountable for their actions,” said Chair
Jackson. “It is our great honor to serve the public in this capacity, and we
invite anyone who may be interested in joining the board to submit an
application for consideration.”
As part of its core functions and responsibilities, the
board works closely with the Office of the Inspector General for Police, which
has full authority to conduct independent investigations and compel evidence
and testimony from sworn members of the Division of Police. Both entities are
part of a larger series of historic reforms that have recently been implemented
to strengthen community policing in the City of Columbus.