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Springfield Rejects New Police Oversight Board

The Springfield City Council has rejected a proposal for a new nine-member police oversight board to review civilian complaints of police brutality and misconduct.

The 7-6 vote Monday night keeps in place the current seven-member board.

The Republican newspaper reports that the new board would have included four members nominated by neighborhood councils and two members nominated by the City Council for mayoral consideration. The current board is directly appointed by the mayor. Neither board had the power to discipline officers, which remains in the hands of the police commissioner.

Supporters of the new board say it would enhance oversight and create greater community involvement.

The police department came under fire when a drug suspect was allegedly beaten by several officers in November 2009. One officer was eventually fired.

This program aired on April 5, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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