PATERSON — The state Legislature ended its session this week without acting on a bill that would have created a civilian board in Paterson to investigate complaints against police officers.

Mayor Andre Sayegh five years ago touted the creation of a civilian complaint review board as one of the cornerstones for rebuilding trust between city residents and police officers. But the initiative has not made any progress since then.

Social justice activists say such review boards offer a powerful tool for holding police officers accountable, but law enforcement union leaders say giving the civilian panels investigative powers might undermine cops’ civil rights.