What is the purpose of a citizen review board in policing?

The purpose of a citizen review board in policing is fundamentally to review incidents of police misconduct and recommend improvements for accountability within the police force. These boards typically consist of community members who examine the actions of police officers in specific cases, ensuring that oversight is managed from a civilian perspective. This function plays a crucial role in fostering transparency within law enforcement agencies and rebuilding trust between police departments and the communities they serve. By providing recommendations for accountability improvements, citizen review boards contribute to reforming practices and policies, enhancing overall policing standards, and addressing public concerns about safety and fairness in law enforcement.

In contrast, enforcing penalties or overseeing budgets typically falls under the jurisdiction and administrative processes of the police department and local government rather than a citizen review board. Legal advice is also provided by professionals like attorneys rather than a citizen group.