Champaign creates police review board

Posted on August 3, 2017
(Photo courtesy Facebook/Champaign Police Department )

By Eric Stock

CHAMPAIGN – One week after Bloomington approved creation of a civilian board to review complaints against the city’s police force, Champaign is creating a similar panel that will provide greater oversight.

The Champaign News-Gazette reports the Champaign City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to create a subcommittee of the Human Relations Commission made up of mayoral appointees and one a member of the commission who will provide input on investigations into complaints against Champaign’s police department. The paper says the committee will have subpoena power to obtain witness statements or other evidence and will made recommendations to the police chief.

Bloomington’s police board won’t re-investigate complaints, but it will check if the department followed proper protocols and will focus more on education and community outreach. Champaign is allowing anyone to apply, including cops and felons, two groups that are banned from serving on Bloomington’s board.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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