News & Announcements

On January 24, 2017, the Ferguson City Council passed an ordinance officially establishing civilian oversight of the Ferguson Police Department. The Ferguson Civilian Review Board will consist of nine members: two residents from each ward and three at-large members who may be residents or non-residents, who are Ferguson business owners, educators, ministers or a community leader serving the City of Ferguson.

In developing this civilian board, it was extremely important the board reflect the diversity of the City they will serve.  To reach this goal; educational sessions were held to inform the public on the powers, duties and responsibilities of membership, and to encourage citizens to apply.  Interested applicants were required to attend at least one educational session. These sessions were identical and held so that anyone interested in learning about or wanting to apply for the board was able to attend a session that fit their personal schedule.

February 28, 2017, the City Council appointed the first seven members to the Civilian Review Board.  The members are: (Ward 1) Eugene Franks, Brenda Young; (Ward 2) Mary Ellen Moylan; (Ward 3) William Bryant, Terry Burton; (At Large) Melanie Powell – Robinson, and Thomas Lawson. The final two members will be appointed at the upcoming City Council meeting.

The Civilian Review Board is the oversight body charged with investigations of complaints made against members of the Ferguson Police Department.  They will review, assess, and recommend modification of Ferguson Police Department policies, procedures, training plans and curricula.  They will work on educating the public on policing and enhancing the police department’s relationship with the Ferguson community.  The Civilian Review Board will review crime data, racial profiling data and complaint statistics to identify patterns and trends.  Lastly, members of the Board will also serve on police officers hiring and promotional panels.