Police task force receives advice at community meeting

CHICAGO (AP) - A forum held to get input on recommended changes in the Chicago Police Department heard from city residents.

In opening the first of four planned forums, Chicago Police Board President Lori Lightfoot said the intent of the Police Accountability Task Force was to "lay bare some very tough issues, some very hard truths."

The task force was formed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel after a video was released showing a white police officer fatally shooting a black teenager 16 times. The officer has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the death of Laquan McDonald.

A North Lawndale minister, the Rev. Floyd James, said residents form negative perspectives about police based on things they see in their own backyards. He said the department needs sensitivity training, adding such training should be done annually.