South Bend names new Community Police Review Board Director

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- South Bend has a new Community Police Review Board Director.

Pastor Charles King will take on the role of overseeing the board, dealing with complaints against the South Bend Police Department, and investigating such claims. 

It was on Colfax Avenue, three years ago, where a man named Eric Logan was shot and killed by police. 

While ruled a justifiable homicide, it was that incident that spurred the demands from the community for a review board. 

Now here we are, and a new director is taking the reins.   

"I don’t think I could have passed on applying for this role," said Charles King III. "To be able to help influence policing and to be a liaison to the community and the police department, it was just a role that was unavoidable." 

Out of over 50 applicants who applied for the role, Pastor Charles King was chosen. 

King is a South Bend native who attended LaSalle High School and IUSB.

His job is to enhance the trust between the community and the South Bend Police Department, a role he says he is the best man for. 

"I’ll be looking at this from a citizen’s standpoint," said King. "And, as well, with the training that they’re going to give me, I’ll have a lens through the police too. But, I want to make sure that first and foremost that the residents of the city of South Bend have an ear that can speak on their behalf, and be at the table when things need to be discussed."

Now, the South Bend Common Council must fill the board seats, and are still taking applications. 

There are nine board members and each common council member gets to offer up a nominee. 

After that, extensive training for the entire board can begin. 

King will begin in the position on May 15.