South Bend City Clerk Dawn Jones has issued a statement, explaining her hiring an legal counsel regarding her work in establishing the South Bend Police Review Board.

Jones’ statement says she has determined it necessary to keep herself and the community abreast of the rules and regulations involved with the establishment of the office. Also, to help ensure that the office can secure the data and materials that it needs to complete its work. She says the attorneys work for the office of the city clerk they are not personal attorneys.

The hiring comes amid the controversy surrounding Joshua Reynolds, the head of the Police Review Board, after it was revealed he served 7 suspensions in 7 years while with Indianapolis Police. Jones say she has no plans to fire Reynolds, despite several requests to do so.

The full statement is below: