Interview process begins to find South Bend’s new Director of the Community Police Review Board

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Common Council continues to keep transparency with community members at the forefront as they have begun interviewing applicants for the city’s future Director of the Community Police Review Board.

After two rounds of interviews, the number of candidates for the position will be narrowed down to five or less people.

From there, public input will be accepted and welcomed into the selection process of the board’s newest director.

This updated hiring process for the director comes after the controversial hiring of Joshua Reynolds, who silently resigned in August of 2021 after questions rose concerning past suspensions he received as an Indianapolis police officer.

South Bend Common Council President Sharon McBride would like to see a connective and empathetic candidate take over the position.

“Someone that can bridge the gap with communication with the public. Someone that is diverse and knows how to be empathetic with the problems in our community needs,” said McBride.

Ten of the 16 applicants have completed first-round phone interviews with McBride and a human resources representative.

Second-round interviews will include executive sessions that involve the full common council.

Community members will be invited to give input on the remaining candidates during the third round of this hiring process.