More than 100 people have applied to be on the civilian task force to review the Newton Police Department’s policies, according to the mayor’s office, Newton Patch reports.
The independent, nine member Newton Police Reform Task Force will have a mission to undertake a “holistic assessment” of the department and make recommendations on the policies, procedures, practices and overall strategic direction for the city’s policing effort and report on recommendations every six weeks.
What are the requirements for this position? Do you need to have a background in criminal justice?
I hope that whatever the requirements are , they involve criminal justice training. We wouldn’t want someone with no knowledge of the law and it’s practices to be in this position. The Mayor listed a detailed job description but I have yet to see what qualifications they require. Could someone answer that for me?
I assume one of the requirements would be impartiality?
Or perhaps based soley on demographics rather than qualifications?
As long as the recommendations are non binding and we aren’t using taxpayer money (or really any money) to fund it, this committee sounds pretty harmless.
@Craig-
The Mayor transferred $200,000 from the police budget to the Mayor’s budget for this – so yes, tax payer money is involved. Not clear what it will be used for – focus groups, a facilitator- but there is a budget.
@bugek-
Impartiality? That is going to be a tough find in this city IMO. If jurors for the OJ trail was voluntary, I’m sure it would solicit hundreds if not thousands of resumes as well. Beyond the applicants, I would challenge if the people responsible for selecting the committee can be impartial? Judging by the tone of the City Council budget meetings, I fear impartiality is an impossibility. $200k down the tubes.
While there is always room for improvement, NPD does not deserve the scarlet letters it’s currently receiving.