Delray's police board

After deciding what kind of police review board to create, Delray Beach took the best action: The city didn't create one.

Instead, the city commission this week approved a police advisory board. The impetus for such a citizen panel started after the Feb. 26 shooting of 16-year-old Jerrod Miller by police officer Darren Cogoni. Based on what other cities have done, Delray Beach had several options. What the commission approved came as a recommendation from the Mayor's Advisory Committee on R.A.C.E. Relations.

A police "review" board can have vast scope, including the power to issue subpoenas and investigate complaints against officers. Review boards, however, do not always reduce the number of citizens' complaints against a department. Run badly, they can mount harassment campaigns against officers. Most important, such a board can be justified only if a department has compiled a long record of abuses against minorities. Though the shooting of Mr. Miller was wrenching for the community, there is no indication of systemic problems.

So the advisory board will be a "conduit for the community to address their issues and community problems through a cooperative effort to review community needs and concerns, expectations and responses relative to police services and community policing." It will have 13 members from various community organizations who will serve two- and three-year staggered terms at the start. Then, all terms will last two years. First appointments will be made by the R.A.C.E. committee. Afterward, the city commission will make them. Minority participation will be stressed.

Dialogue is what Delray needs. The advisory board can supply it.