100 People Apply To Join Task Force To Review Newton Police

NEWTON, MA —More than 100 people have applied to be on the civilian task force to review the Newton Police Department's policies, according to the mayor's office.

The independent, nine member Newton Police Reform Task Force will have a mission to undertake a "holistic assessment" of the department and make recommendations on the policies, procedures, practices and overall strategic direction for the city's policing effort and report on recommendations every six weeks.

"The mayor is going through each one, they're terrific," said Ellen Ishkanian, communications director for the mayor's office.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller is getting input from City Council chair Susan Albright, FORGE Newton, the Coalition of Black Residents and HRC, and a decision will be coming on the members in the next couple days, according to the mayor's office.

The task force will begin the first week of July.

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The move comes amid recent outcry among residents to rethink the city's police department and the funding it receives, following several Black Lives Matter rallies.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.