Cambridge lawmakers say they are currentlydiscussing and urging the city manager to actquickly, but it is unknown when the remainingappointments will be made.

"There are some people who feel that thecivilian police review board could potentiallyinterfere with the function and operation of thepolice force," Graham said last week. "But therehas been ample opportunity for the police to servethe community properly, and they have not."

"It is important to have an objective boardwhere citizens can compain; they need to have analternative, another forum where problems can beexpressed," said Graham.

"The CCA supports this board, and we would liketo see the vacancy filled and the positionsappointed as soon as possible so the board cancarry out its legislative function," saidMartinelli. "But it is not likely that all theproblems will be resolved soon."

"Complaints from residents about the policedepartment come up from time to time, varying inintensity," said City Councilor Alice K. Wolf,another member of the CCA. "And there is a needfor an overseeing policy of the policedepartment."

"The [board] exists on paper but not inreality," said Sullivan. "For the citizen who getsbeaten up and harassed at this point, it may aswell not exist at all.