The main purpose of the advisory team is to help the community better engage with the city’s police division. Members of the team will also be tasked with reviewing and recommending policy changes to that affect.
City officials said that the team can also serve as an additional channel for citizen concerns.
Talks to revive a dormant police advisory group in the city were sparked by a wave of national protests following the death of George Floyd in May. He was an unarmed black man who died while in Minneapolis police custody.
The new advisory team approved in August, will be larger and have more responsibilities than the city’s previous police advisory group, said Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck.
In addition to policy reviews, the team will also be tasked with reviewing use of force incidents as well as the Springfield Police Division’s complaint process. It will also have the ability to make suggestions to city commissioners regarding new equipment for the division.
The application period for those interested in participating on the Community Police Advisory Team will be open for 30 days, according to a Sept. 8 release.. Its members will be appointed by Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland with the consent and approval of the city commission.
Those selected will serve a three-year term. Applications are available online at springfieldohio.gov/police.
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