Monessen’s police accountability board in place

By KRISTIE LINDEN 

klinden@yourmvi.com

Monessen’s new police accountability board was sworn in Friday and the members are ready to help their community by working with those who protect and serve.

Robert J. Stark, Karen Cosner, Raynelle Mays, Alan C. Duncan Sr. and Mayor Matt Shorraw form the board, which met for the first time after a swearing-in ceremony. 

Shorraw told the group they will work with police Chief Jim Smith as part of the internal investigation when complaints are filed against members of the police department.

“To a large degree, the public image of the police department is determined by the quality of the internal affairs function in responding to allegations of misconduct against the police department of its officers,” the board’s policy states.

The board’s objectives through accountability reviews are to provide protection of the public and the police department, to review policies and procedures and their efficacy and to make recommendations for revisions and additions of policies or procedures.

Stark said he has 45 years of experience in public safety and now works in drug and alcohol testing, so he has some background in this kind of work. The others said this would be their first foray into such matters, but they’re eager to learn. 

Group members decided to meet regularly so they can hear from guest speakers, starting with Smith, based on topics they want to learn more about before they’re called on to investigate a complaint. 

Cosner suggested bringing in speakers because she wants to be sure they all have a good foundation in what to do if the board is ever needed. 

Stark said talking with the chief will help the board understand the inner workings of the department as it is now, what the background of the police officers are and any existing issues there may be.

“This is just so we have the background, so we could say, OK we’ve heard of this before,” Stark said.

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