INGLEWOOD — Imposing a federal consent decree and a complete overhaul of the civilian review board are two suggestions floated by local activists in the wake of a U.S. Department of Justice review that raises critical questions about Inglewood Police Department practices.

Results of the Justice Department review came in the form a lengthy Dec. 28 letter to Mayor Roosevelt Dorn.

The contents of the letter have since been released on the department’s Web site, and federal officials have requested a written response within 30 days.

The department launched a civil rights probe following a series of officer-involved shootings in 2008, several involving reportedly unarmed Black men.

Among the incidents being investigated: the May 2008 shooting of Michael Byoune, 19, in a strip mall parking lot in the 300 block of Manchester Boulevard; the July 2008 killing of 38-year-old postal worker Kevin Wicks at his North Hillcrest Boulevard apartment complex; and the slaying of a homeless man, 56-year-old Eddie Franco, who was shot and killed on Market Street in August of that year.

Noting that the 33-page letter was meant to focus on recommendations, Justice officials recognized that the police force has made some advances, but said that policy revisions have not gone far enough.

Responding in a brief telephone call on Tuesday, Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks said it would be “inappropriate” to comment until the department had formulated its written response.

“But I would say that there is nothing in the report that we are not already looking at,” she added.

On Tuesday night, Dorn read a press release on the city council’s view of the matter, which followed a similar line.

However, Larry Aubry, of Community Call to Action, was unimpressed.

“My general response is that I’m not all that surprised about the findings,” he said. “I still think that the city council and the chief just don’t get it. I’ve never heard a clear articulation of their accepting culpability for what occurred. It’s almost like [they’re saying] we’ve got this covered and we’re taking care of it.

“But from what we’re finding out, that’s not the case. I note that Maxine Waters is talking about a federal consent decree and I think that would be a good idea.”

Meanwhile, Kokayi Kwa Jitahidi, of Families for Community Safety, also welcomed the review.

“What I’m not hearing though is how to give the community greater oversight,” he said. “The Civilian Oversight Commission is utterly powerless and any solution needs to include how to give it power to subpoena witnesses, conduct investigations and at least be in a position to make hard recommendations for discipline.

Citizen Oversight Commission Chairwoman Adrienne Sears did not return a call at press time.

The review set out its findings under 10 major headings: police and procedures, use of force, complaints of misconduct, internal affairs, discipline, supervisor oversight, early warning system, officer training, community outreach and conclusion.

The letter states that the majority of IPD’s policies and procedures are outdated and they should be revised to be consistent and comprehensive.

“All officers should provide a written acknowledgment and signature of their receipt, review and understanding of all IPD policies,” justice officials wrote.

In terms of deadly force, the review deemed that Inglewood’s “rules are vague and inconsistent with U.S. Supreme Court guidelines.”

On community outreach, the Justice Department found that a “negative perception of the IPD exists in the community,” and recommended that the department make community partnership an integral part of the organization’s values.

The letter also recommended that IPD develop a comprehensive training program for new and experienced officers.

“Although, the IPD has a number of officers that are designated Field Training Officers (“FTOs”), there is no policy, standard or procedure for selecting, training, or evaluating an FTO,” said the review.

“FTOs are selected by the Chief of Police. There are no written standards for an officer to qualify or to be selected as FTO. We recommend that clearly defined criteria be established for the selection, training, and evaluation of FTOs.”