Rockford extends deadline to apply for new Civilian Oversight Board

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city is extending its deadline to apply to serve on a new board that will review complaints against police officers and uses of force.

Mayor Tom McNamara is extending the deadline to apply for the Civilian Oversight Board from April 15 to May 1.

He said the city has received good response to its callout for seven members to serve on the board, but several people have asked for additional time to apply.

“One of the big keys to this is making sure we capture as many people who are willing to serve and want that opportunity so we review as many applications as possible for this important board,” McNamara said.

Related: ‘Our citizens can be objective’: How McNamara will select new Civilian Oversight Board members

The board will review completed internal investigations of resident complaints of certain use-of-force instances and it will work with the Rockford Police Department, the mayor and City Council to identify areas for improvement.

“We have had a great response … but one of the big things is building that trust and being as inclusive in that process as we can be,” McNamara said Friday. “So we want to give everyone ample opportunity to apply.”

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Applications should be delivered in person or vial mail to the Mayor’s Office, City of Rockford, 425 East State St. , Rockford, IL 61104. You can also email CivilianOversight@rockfordil.gov.

For more information, visit here.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.