Help oversee police accountability and transparency in the City of Boston! Apply to be a City Council recommendation to the Civilian Review Board or the Internal Affairs Oversight Panel.
OPAT
The Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT) is a department created to enhance accountability and transparency within the Boston Police Department (BPD). OPAT has three boards that look at complaints against police: the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency Commission, the Civilian Review Board (CRB), and the Internal Affairs Oversight Panel (IAOP).
The Civilian Review Board (CRB) and the Internal Affairs Oversight Panel (IAOP) were created under the 2020 Ordinance establishing an Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT).
What does the City Council do?
The City Council helps recommend people for the Mayor to appoint to these boards. There are currently vacancies available on both boards. The City Council is collecting applications for recommendations for appointment for these vacancies. The City Council Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice will review applications and make recommendations to the Mayor for the vacant seats. Applications for City Council recommendations will be open until Saturday, November 30, 2024.
What is the Civilian Review Board?
The Civilian Review Board reviews complaints against the Boston Police Department (BPD). The Board has 9 members, one of which is a youth delegate between age 18-21.
The City Council recommends 9 people to the Mayor to appoint to 3 of the seats on the Board. There are currently 3 vacancies.
Who can apply for the Civilian Review Board?
- Boston residents
- People who are not currently members of law enforcement
What is the Internal Affairs Oversight Panel?
The Internal Affairs Oversight Panel (IAOP) reviews Boston Police Department (BPD) Internal Affairs investigations. The Board has 5 members.
The City Council recommends 6 people to the Mayor to appoint to 2 of the seats on the Board. There are currently 2 vacancies.
Who can apply for the Internal Affairs Oversight Panel?
- Boston residents
- People who are licensed attorneys, experienced in civil rights advocacy, experienced in youth advocacy, and/or have past experience and knowledge of law enforcement
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Need to Know:Want to Apply?The deadline to apply for consideration to be recommended by the Council for an appointment is November 30, 2024.
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Contact:
City Council
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1 City Hall Square
Room 550Boston, MA 02201-2043
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Language and Communications AccessNeed a paper application or an application in another language? Contact michelle.a.goldberg@boston.gov or call 617-635-3040.
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Questions?If you have any questions, contact the Chair of Public Safety and Criminal Justice Councilor Henry Santana’s office at 617-635-4205 or by emailing henry.santana@boston.gov.
