South Bend Council Eases Police Review Board Rules

South Bend’s Common Council unanimously approved changes to the Community Police Review Board’s rules after vacancies and attendance problems made it difficult to reach a quorum and review complaints. The revisions allow limited virtual participation, lower the attendance threshold to just over half, and give members more flexibility to fill vacancies. New members can begin voting after a six-hour orientation, with at least 16 hours of training in their first year and eight hours of continuing education annually; the Citizens Police Academy becomes recommended rather than required. The board can review complaints and recommend discipline but cannot discipline officers itself.