Should London police board meetings move to city hall in the name of transparency?

The London Police Service board wants to hear from people about how it can become more transparent.

On Thursday, the board discussed the possibility of moving its monthly meetings from the police headquarters to city hallafter council invited the agency over in an effort to increase openness.

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Board members will wait to make a final decision in December. That's when Coun. Mo Salih who was recently appointed to the board will get the chance to discuss the issue. He proposedthe initial idea to move the meetings at council.

In the meantime, board chair Jeannette Eberhard said board members want to learn more about why Londoners would opt out of a meeting held at the headquarters.

"Is there anything that can make people feel more comfortable coming to the meetings or bringing their opinions to the meetings?" said Eberhard, who encouraged people send emails or letters. "We [want] to hear, not just problems but solutions because we don't have all the answers."

Salih has been outspoken about barriers he says have historically existed between several members of the community and police officers.

More options

The board recently began publicizing its board agenda and meeting minutes online. Despite this, Eberhard said there's still not as much awareness about the meetings.

Chief John Pare said police officers who he admitted have made mistakes are trying to engage with the community, whether through public meetings orother outreach events.

He told board members Thursday to consider creating a more inclusive environment at the headquarters before moving the meetings.

"It's one of the options that are still available," said Eberhard. "How can we improve the openness, the accessibility, the welcoming and the space available . to make this building work?"

Eberhard said regardless of a move, the board will still consider live streaming its meetings and possibly moving to bigger rooms to accommodate for more people.

Board changes

In other police board news, Coun. Stephen Turner announced his resignation at Thursday's meeting, citing personal concerns related to workload.

This means a new councillor will join the board in January. By then,Salih and a provincial appointee will have already joined.