Fullerton, Calif., Police May Get Oversight Panel

Consequence of Kelly Thomas' beating death at hands of officers

Public input into the hiring and training of officers, the Police Department's policy and perhaps even into implementing discipline could soon be among the roles of an independent oversight committee.

Such oversight was among dozens of recommendations by an outside investigator hired to probe the department after the 2011 death of mentally-ill transient Kelly Thomas at the hands of officers. The investigator delivered his final report to the City Council in May.

Guidelines crafted by acting Chief Dan Hughes for a Chief's Advisory Board include gathering 12 to 20 volunteers representing a cross-section of the city.