By KEITH UPCHURCH

kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612

DURHAM -- A N.C. Central University law student named to a board that hears appeals of citizen complaints about Durham police says he wants to ensure that "procedure and protocol are always followed.''

DeWarren K. Langley, a second-year law student, was named to the Civilian Police Review Board by Durham City Manager Tom Bonfield.

The board hears complaints by citizens about police actions. The department's Professional Standards Division initially investigates the complaints, but citizens unhappy with the outcome can request a board hearing.

"I think that's very important for the city, so that people know that our police are executing their duties as prescribed by the police department,'' Langley said. "I think that's a big part of ensuring that people maintain a level of respect and trust for our department, knowing that they are always complying with the procedures to ensure they do their job and that people's rights are protected.''

Langley, 25, is a Durham native who hopes to be a public defender after law school.

In addition to his NCCU studies, he is earning a certificate in nonprofit management at Duke University. He has a degree in business management and economics with a minor in leadership studies from Hampton University.

Langley is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, the board for Calvary Ministries of the Westend Community Inc., Kids Voting Durham advisory board, Citizens Advisory Committee and the N.C. Bar Association's Law Student Division.

His term expires June 30, 2011.

The board's mandate is to determine if the initial police investigation was done correctly and whether the department abused its discretion in conducting it.

Board members are required to complete the police department's Citizens Police Academy, 16 hours in a patrol car ride-along program and a comprehensive training program administered by the police attorney's office.

Members get $25 per meeting, paid semiannually, and receive complimentary parking in a designated city of Durham parking lot for each meeting they attend.