COLUMBUS (WCMH) – More than 200 people have applied to be a part of the Citizen Review Board that will oversee the Columbus Police Department.

Mayor Andrew Ginther announced plans to create the board following last summer’s community-wide protests over the use of force by police officers.

The first step was to develop a Work Group to make recommendations regarding the structure of the Review Board. The Work Group is made up of 16 community leaders from such organizations as the Columbus Urban League, the Columbus Bar Association, and Stonewall Columbus.

The work group recommended that the Review Board consist of nine voting members, all volunteers, who would serve staggered terms of a maximum of three years and two terms.

Some 206 people applied for one of the nine seats by the Jan. 15, 2021, deadline.

Creation of the Review Board appeared on the Nov. 3, 2020, ballot as Issue 2, and was overwhelmingly approved by voters.

Mayor Ginther and City Council members will choose the nine members who will serve on the Review Board.