A Hamilton County grand jury is to start hearing evidence in the shooting Thursday. Several black activists who addressed the council on Wednesday said Shirey and police leadership were to blame for problems contributing to the street violence. The activists held up signs urging that Roach, who has not been charged with anything, be sent to prison. The specialist will interview various citizens for information that could be used in mediation. The American Civil Liberties Union and black activists filed the lawsuit, accusing the city police of 30 years of harassing black citizens on the basis of their race.
Police deny the allegations.
U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott had directed the city to decide by Thursday whether to accept the mediation.