Newark mayor announces police civilian review board

The mayor of New Jersey’s largest city has announced details for a civilian complaint review board to oversee the police department.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka unveiled the plans Tuesday. The announcement came six months after the U.S. Justice Department said it would appoint a federal monitor to oversee the police department.

Newark’s nine-member review board will be composed of an inspector general, three members appointed by the city council and five recommended by community groups including the American Civil Liberties Union.

Baraka says the board will have subpoena power to investigate complaints, but disciplinary action will fall to the police director.

The Justice Department’s three-year investigation found Newark police engaged in the excessive use of force, routinely stopped people for no legitimate reason and regularly stole property.