The South Bend Board of Public Safety postponed action on the discipline matrix for the city’s police department at its meeting Wednesday morning.
The discipline matrix is meant to clearly lay out punishments for officer misconduct.
Board members said they need more time to review the document and to make sure it’s fair to police officers and residents.
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski said he doesn’t want the process to be rushed.
“A lot of people in our community, including police officers feel they have not had a full chance to look through and more importantly have input on this before we actually institute it.”
Mayor James Mueller through his Chief of Staff, also called on the board to take more time before approving the matrix.
But some people fear the delay could go on for too long and continue to drive a wedge between the police department and the community.
The matrix was first introduced to the board of public safety nearly one month ago. They have been taking public input via email.
The discipline matrix will be a topic at the next community action meeting scheduled for Feb. 4th.
