Officials in Cambridge have tapped the former chief justice of the state’s highest court to review the Police Department’s internal probe of the forcible arrest last month of a visibly distressed black Harvard University student who was naked and allegedly hallucinating on drugs.

In a statement Friday, City Manager Louis DePasquale and Police Commissioner Branville Bard Jr. announced that former chief justice Roderick L. Ireland of the Supreme Judicial Court will conduct “an independent review of the Police Department’s internal review associated’’ with the April 13 apprehension of Selorm Ohene.

A video, shot by a bystander and released by police, showed an officer grabbing Ohene’s legs from behind and knocking him forward into another officer. The three men fell to the pavement, and, with the help of a third officer, Ohene was pinned to the ground.

A fourth officer helped restrain Ohene, and one officer was seen striking him.

“Our intention at the outset of this incident was to ensure a thorough, complete, fair and transparent internal review process,’’ Bard said in Friday’s statement announcing that the city had hired Ireland. “Having someone with a proven track record like Chief Justice Ireland reinforces those intentions and our commitment to a transparent process. We are thankful for his willingness to conduct an independent review.’’

His words were echoed by DePasquale.

“I have complete confidence in Commissioner Bard and the Cambridge Police Department, and I want to thank Chief Justice Ireland for his willingness to work with the City of Cambridge,’’ DePasquale said. “His experience and credibility will add great value to the process.’’

City officials said the Police Department’s internal review of the incident is ongoing, and that once it’s completed, Ireland will “review the findings and issue his report.’’ Ireland’s findings will be made public, but there’s no timetable for completion.

“No charges have been filed against the student,’’ the release said.

Ohene’s attorneys, Harvard Law professors Ronald S. Sullivan Jr. and Dehlia Umunna, also weighed in Friday, saying in a separate statement that they were “delighted to learn that no charges will be filed’’ against their client.

They added that Ohene’s “eager to return to his studies and does not intend to discuss this matter publicly. Please respect his and his family’s privacy as they continue to process this incident and return to their regular lives, and while Selorm continues to heal from this unfortunate episode.’’

Globe Correspondent John Hilliard contributed to this report. Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com.