Colorado Springs police accountability interviews to begin next week

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs City council is set to begin interviewing candidates for the police accountability board on August 31.

City council member Wayne Williams said there are now 27 finalists who will interview to be on the board. The city received over 800 applications, with 700 of them being submitted by Colorado Springs residents, according to Williams.

Williams told KRDO the council is looking for a diverse group of candidates in hopes of creating meaningful discussions and police policy recommendations.

Current law enforcement members are not allowed to serve on the board, but former law enforcement officers can.

The board will consist of 11 members, with two alternates to alleviate any scheduling conflicts that could impact board voting.

Williams believes the board will be implemented by the end of September.

Tonight on KRDO NewsChannel 13 at 5 and 6 we'll explain what the city council is looking for and is hoping the board will achieve.