PORTLAND – Portland is unlikely to move ahead any time soon on a proposal to have civilians review complaints of police misconduct.

The Maine Labor Relations Board ruled last week that additional review beyond existing internal disciplinary procedures would have to be negotiated with the union that represents Portland police officers.

The city and the union have been unable to agree on a new contract since the last one expired in December, and city officials say it is unlikely they will add a new provision to the contract that is now being negotiated.

“I think it’s kind of late at this point in time,” City Manager Joe Gray said.

City Councilor Thomas Kane proposed creating a civilian panel as a way to increase public confidence in how allegations of police misconduct are reviewed. Currently, civilian complaints are investigated by the police Internal Affairs Unit, and disciplinary action is determined by Police Chief Michael Chitwood.

But the Portland Police Benevolent Association, which represents the department’s 130 officers, said creating a civilian review panel would need to be negotiated with the union.

The Maine Labor Relations Board agreed, ruling that such a board would change the working conditions for officers and, therefore, was a negotiable item.

John Richardson, who represents the Portland Police Benevolent Association and argued the case before the labor relations board, said he doubts the city will propose the panel.