Counties would be allowed to create citizen police review boards under legislation proposed recently in the state Legislature.

Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, introduced House Bill 2691 to amend state law allowing second through eighth class counties to create the boards, which would have nine members. Members would reflect the geographic and cultural diversity of a county, according to the legislation, with membership made up of two members from a borough, two members from a first class township, two members from a second class township and one member from the county at-large.

The boards would investigate complaints filed by individuals alleging police misconduct, establish a mediation program where a complaint can be resolved through an informal mediation, provide advice to the municipality’s governing board on policies and actions of the police department, conduct public hearings, subpoena witnesses, compel witnesses to attend, administer oaths and take testimony.

Under Davis’ legislation, citizen police review boards would not be empowered to investigate federal or state law enforcement.

“Citizen participation in policy making produces numerous benefits and increases trust between the community and its leaders,” Davis wrote in his legislative memorandum. “Similar to the role a jury plays in a trial, an independent review board would allow the people to decide when unjustifiable actions have been committed by the police, instead of an internal investigation. Please join me in supporting this legislation to increase transparency in our policing.”

Davis’ bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has no co-sponsors.