Grace Coates, center, embraces State Trooper Mike Habel as Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper Northampton Police Lt. Alan Borowski look on, following a long standoff between police and protesters at the Northampton police station in June. 
Grace Coates, center, embraces State Trooper Mike Habel as Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper Northampton Police Lt. Alan Borowski look on, following a long standoff between police and protesters at the Northampton police station in June.  Credit: GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Policing Review Commission has scheduled its first meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22 over Zoom. The group plans to elect co-chairs, discuss hiring a staff person, and talk about a plan for its work, among other agenda items. 

The Northampton Policing Review Commission, a joint commission of the City Council and mayor’s office, was proposed after residents asked the City Council to make significant cuts to the Police Department budget. The 15-member panel will examine the department’s budget, use of force policies, and alternatives to current policing practices, among other issues.

Information about how to join Tuesday’s meeting can be found on the city’s online calendar. 

Greta Jochem can be reached at gjochem@gazettenet.com.