TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A step toward transparency in the Capital City, the Tallahassee Police Department held it's first Citizens Advisory Council meeting on Monday.
Those interested in being part of the council found out what they would be tasked with.
The council has been a priority for Chief Revell since January.
More than 86 people applied to be on the committee created by Chief Lawrence Revell to develop more and better communication between the community and law enforcement. Members will serve for a minimum of two years.
Brenda Scott is one of 86 people in Tallahassee who applied to be part of the council.
"I think this council is going to be something positive," said Scott.
The selected 30 council members will work to bridge the gap between law enforcement, the communities, and the neighborhoods they serve.
"Bringing the community, whether southside or Killearn area," Scott said. "Wherever the community is we need to come together to make a difference."
People on the council will serve a minimum of two years.
TPD says the group of people on the board must be diverse.
"We want southeast, southwest, northeast, northwest," said Tonja Smith, the deputy chief.
Pastor Rudy Ferguson, Chief Revell as well his command staff have handpicked this council. Ferguson is chair of the council and says they hope this is the beginning of major change in Tallahassee.
The council will meet monthly and review public safety policies within the department, discussing issues of concern as well as possible solutions.
Their first topic at their next meeting is the use of force.
"Tallahassee residents said they wanted to see some improvements some reforms and some things come into play that will better build a relationship with law enforcement and the community," said Ferguson. "That is our objective tonight. "
For transparency, a council website will provide updates on the council and recommendations to Chief Revell.
"You have to start like baby steps and crawl to get to where we need to be, and I'm thinking that we're on the right track," Scott said.
All 30 members of the Citizens Advisory Council will be selected by July 24 and TPD is looking into possible subcommittees for those not selected.
