By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Almost a year ago, one of the most contentious issues in Bloomington was the creation of a civilian police board. Tuesday night, Bloomington aldermen approved rules for the seven-member Public Safety and Community Relations Board, and brochures that are being distributed to the public.

The board has been meeting since December and Chairman Art Taylor said the panel has received no citizen complaints about police conduct.

“To me, that’s a good thing, but the board is there to serve both the citizens and the police, and to be that vehicle to help inoculate the community of any such event that could turn pretty ugly,” Taylor said.

Alderman Mboka Mwilambwe said he’s heartened the public and police are working together.

“I am one who likes to live in harmony as much as possible, and I think by having such an avenue, we have a chance at harmony,” Mwilambwe said.

“I’m very excited to see everybody come together.”

The Public Safety and Community Relations Board meets monthly, and also holds quarterly sessions at various places in the city to encourage wider participation. Confidential citizen complaints can be dropped in boxes at those meetings. They can also be filed with the city attorney.

The brochures, written in English and Spanish, provide details how citizens can file confidential complaints. They can be filed with the city attorney or in a box at monthly and quarterly board meetings.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]