The police opposition to civilian review boards is rather understandable given widespread ignorance about when police can legally detain, search, arrest, and us

The police opposition to civilian review boards is rather understandable given widespread ignorance about when police can legally detain, search, arrest, and use force. This is compounded by the often ugly nature of police work, even when the police involved used good judgement and acted lawfully. That isn't to say that non-police are incapable of adjudicating accusations of misconduct. However, political appointments or direct elections do nothing to ensure that members of these boards have the knowledge and judgement necessary for the task. Of course the police unions are opposed to these people having disciplinary powers.