Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee Sep 8, 2026

The Town of Amherst Governance, Organization, and Legislation Committee met on September 8, 2026, to discuss the establishment and structure of a Resident Oversight Board (RO) for police accountability. The committee reviewed two proposed models—the investigatory and review models—based on prior consultant reports and legal opinions. Public comments emphasized the need for a board with investigative authority to build community trust, particularly among BIPOC residents. Committee members debated the scope, powers, and budget implications of each model, including subpoena power and the board's role in reviewing police investigations. A motion was made to begin discussion with the review model, with plans to amend and refine the bylaws and charges before making a formal recommendation to the Town Council. The committee also discussed scheduling future meetings to continue this work and addressed the upcoming town manager evaluation process. No final votes on the RO models were taken, but the committee agreed to continue deliberations and aim for a consensus recommendation.