The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.

Cities across Eastern Iowa are contemplating how best to promote transparency and community engagement in policing in light of a new state law outlawing most citizen review boards.

Earlier this year, Republicans in the Iowa Legislature passed — and Gov. Kim Reynolds signed — Se nate File 311. The law — which takes effect today — prohibits cities with civil service commissions from establishing “a board or other entity for the purpose of citizen review of the conduct of police officers.”

At least six Iowa communities had such entities at the time of Reynolds’ signature, including Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City, University Heights, Dubuque and Ames.

To comply with the new law, Cedar R

See Full Page