BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It was another step forward for the City of Boston on Thursday as Mayor Marty Walsh signed executive orders in an effort to ensure safe and effective policing.
Mayor Walsh signed two executive orders to reform the Boston Police Department.
"The first order creates a civilian review board nominated by both the mayor's office and the city council. They'll be in power to review complaints, recommend actions and review police policies," Mayor Walsh said.
The board will be made up of nine community members and will provide public input and publish reports on the BPD's progress along with other functions.
The goal of the second order is to strengthen the police department's "Internal Affairs Over-Sight Panel."
This panel would have the power to review all completed police internal affairs cases and be able to review the division's policies and procedures.
Boston Police Commissioner William Gross said the new measure would help the department "become a stronger, more equitable force for public safety."
In addition to the orders, the mayor's office has drafted an ordinance that will be filed with the city council next week. The ordinance would create the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency, or OPAT.
WBZ NewsRadio's Tina Gao (@TinaGaoOnAir) reports
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