Tampa residents spoke out on Thursday morning asking city leaders to consider a citizen review board for their police department.
“The time is now to bring attention to this situation,” said resident Ali Muhammad.
Everyone who spoke out said a citizen review board would keep officers with the Tampa Police Department honest.
“The citizen review board needs to happen,” said resident Michelle Williams.
At the podium, many shared their frustrations about racial profiling in the black community. While others accused the agency of being disconnected residents.
“A civilian review board empowers citizens, promotes change with law enforcement agencies, improves police community relations and increases transparency and accountability,” said Tampa Resident, Joyce Hamilton Henry.
Mayor Bob Buckhorn says he hears the complaints and he intends to do something about it.
“The chief and I are going to look at similar types of committees all over the country. We’ve already started to gather that information,” Buckhorn said. “And we need some time because we’re going to do it right.”
Mayor Buckhorn said the final solution may not leave everyone satisfied but whatever they come up with it will be what’s best for Tampa, the police and the citizens.
The Tampa Police chief says city council has given him 30 days to come up with a proposal on the potential citizen’s review board.