South Bend Fills Vacant Police Review Board Seats

Community Police Review Board now has full nine-member roster after Common Council appointments.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The South Bend Common Council voted to fill the last vacant seat on the Community Police Review Board, ensuring the board now has a full nine-member roster. Third district councilmember Sharon McBride appointed Marla Godette to the police review board to serve a two-year term.

Why it matters

The Community Police Review Board plays a critical role in providing civilian oversight and accountability for the South Bend Police Department. With all seats now filled, the board can operate at full capacity to review police conduct, investigate complaints, and make recommendations to improve policing in the community.

The details

In January, the council appointed three members to vacant positions as some members stepped down and another moved out of district. The new appointees include Sherria Williams, George Jones, Marla Godette, Luella Webster, Roxane Hughes, Sharon Banicki, Komonique Thomas, Cheryl Ashe, and De Bryant.

  • The South Bend Common Council voted to fill the last vacant seat on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The Community Police Review Board is expected to hold a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, in the third-floor Common Council chambers at City Hall.

The players

Sharon McBride

Third district councilmember who appointed Marla Godette to the police review board.

Marla Godette

Appointed to the Community Police Review Board to serve a two-year term, representing the third district.

Community Police Review Board

A civilian oversight body that reviews police conduct, investigates complaints, and makes recommendations to improve policing in South Bend.

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What they’re saying

“I am excited to have Marla Godette represent the third district and serving on the civilian review board. I think that it'll be a great fit and I'm excited to see the board moving forward.”

— Sharon McBride, Third district councilmember (southbendtribune.com)

What’s next

The Community Police Review Board is expected to hold a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, in the third-floor Common Council chambers at City Hall.

The takeaway

With all nine seats on the Community Police Review Board now filled, the board can operate at full capacity to provide civilian oversight and accountability for the South Bend Police Department, ensuring the community's concerns about policing are heard and addressed.