The intent is to strengthen understanding and trust between Columbia Police and the community. The first-ever Columbia Police Review Board is in place, although the 9th member hasn’t yet been chosen. Columbia City Council members named its 8 members at last night’s meeting. The 9th member will be selected by the city’s Human Rights Commission. The Police Review Board will be used when a citizen wants to appeal the department’s internal affairs’ decision regarding alleged police misconduct. A police officer and the citizen can both appeal to the city manager after the review board’s ruling.
From a list of 18, these Columbians are picked: Stephen Alexander, Carroll Highbarger, Ellen Locurto-Martinez, James Martin, John McClure, Susan Smith, Steve Weinberg and Betty Wilson.
