Feds launch review of Chester police

CHESTER, Pa. -- The U.S. Justice Department is launching a review of a suburban Philadelphia police department at the city's request.

The city of Chester had asked for the review, the first fully independent evaluation in its history.

The Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services announced the probe on Thursday.

It comes as the department faces community criticism over use of force in the troubled city. A number of police-involved shootings caused outrage earlier this year.

However, Police Commissioner Darren Alston has said the request was unrelated to any officer-involved shootings.

Following the two-year assessment, a public report will be issued detailing the findings, and ways the department can improve. The agency will follow up in 18 months to see how the city has implemented the recommendations.

Other cities have undergone such evaluations, including Philadelphia.