The addition of local civil rights activist Darryl Heller to South Bendâs Board of Public Safety wonât automatically quiet longstanding concerns about the boardâs police oversight role and its independence.
But Mayor James Muellerâs appointment of Heller, director of the Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center, adds a new, much-needed perspective to a board that is in charge of hiring, firing and disciplining police officers and firefighters, as well as approving police and fire department policies.
Heller will replace board President John Collins, who stepped down after nearly a decade of service. âAfter serving on the board for nine and a half years, it was just time to step down,â Collins said. âI told the mayor and chief I will advise and render any help I can, but itâs time for someone else to sit on the board.â