Colorado lawmakers search for answers to police tensions

A panel of state lawmakers is convening a community meeting to talk about police relations.

The meeting in northeast Denver Tuesday evening comes a few days after protesters vandalized a memorial for fallen police officers outside Denver Police headquarters.

Protesters threw red paint on the memorial Saturday during a march against police brutality. Some held signs in support of Jessica Hernandez, the teenager was shot and killed by Denver officers last month in a stolen car.

Some members of the state Legislature have mentioned police relations as a possible topic for new legislation. But little has been introduced to address the topic.

The Denver City Council is considering strengthening the powers of the independent monitor that oversees the police department. It will hold a hearing on proposal Tuesday evening.