Police hearing board dismisses most complaints of police misconduct.
Springfield, MA- The mayor-appointed board that reviews allegations of misconduct by the Springfield police last year investigated 160 complaints, including 109 filed by members of the public, and found all but 20 of them lacked substance, according to a new report issued Monday.
The total number of complaints and citizen complaints to the Community Police Hearing Board in 2011 both represent an increase from 2010 when the board investigated 136 complaints including 99 filed by the public. The complaints not filed by the public are generated within the department.
Rev. Amos Bailey, vice chairman of the board, said Monday night the increase — an 18 percent yearly hike in the number of overall complaints, and a 10 percent increase in the number filed by members of he public — reflects increased awareness among the public that the hearing board exists as an outlet for those who have complaints against the police.
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/community_police_hearing_board.html
2010 Community Police Hearing Board Annual Report:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/93579537/2012-Community-Police-Hearing-Board-Annual-Report