The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is ruling that the Springfield City Council has the right to create a civilian commission to oversee the city police department. The city council passed ordinances to establish the police commission in 2016 and 2018, which were both vetoed by Mayor Domenic Sarno. Sarno said he will appoint a board of police commissioners, but he says current solo commissioner Cheryl Clapprood will continue to handle the day-to-day management of the SPD.
The Mayor says, "The Board of Police Commissioners is to perform, as the SJC noted an ‘oversight function’ but not a ‘daily managerial function’. The day-to-day duties concerning the operation of the police department, including ‘command and control’ of all department members, professional standards, as well as hiring, promotions, and as well as assignments, will continue to be performed by a full-time police professional, Cheryl Clapprood.
However, I will have the Board of Police Commissioners, with the subpoena power authority I have long sought, to conduct hearings on disciplinary matters for the benefit of the Department. The Board will determine the conditions of discipline, termination, dismissal and reappointment. I will be naming the five (5) member board shortly.”
There is no timetable for the new management structure to go into affect.