Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno says he is asking the Community Police Hearing Board to hold a public hearing next month to help develop strategies to improve community relations.
Sarno says this is part of a reform effort connected to a Department of Justice investigation into use of excessive force in the Springfield Police Department.
The mayor says he is planning a series of dialogues between police officers and civilians with an emphasis on those who previously have not had strong or positive relationships with law enforcement.