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Day 10: Protests continue in Colorado Springs while Mayor, CSPD chief discuss policy

richard sherwood protest pic Cropped
June 7 protests in Colorado Springs; Photo: Richard Sherwood

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Monday marks the 10th day that protestors have gathered in downtown Colorado Springs asking for police reform in the city.

"At a minimum, like, we need to have accountability across the board," said Scott Silver, a protestor standing in front of City Hall.

Others like Calli Stapleton says she'd like, "the Mayor, and senators, and city council to really address our protests and our community. I really don't want them to sit behind closed doors. It would be really nice if they came down here and talked to us."

These demands are coming as Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers and Police Chief Vince Niski joined the city's podcast, "Behind the Springs" to address some of the controversy.

"I do not favor giving a group of unelected officials not having any expertise in policing the power to determine the procedures and protocols of a police department," Mayor Suthers said on Monday.

The mayor explained he doesn't have a problem with a group of people reviewing and making recommendations to a police department if they're elected by the people.

"I think we have to have a committee chosen by the council who will examine, as I say, very specific ways that we can promote telling police what their needs are, what their concerns are, and education the public about what they do," he explained.

Listen to the whole conversation here.

During the podcast, Colorado Springs Police Chief, Vince Niski explains a group of city leaders came together earlier this year to discuss communication between police and the community, but he recently asked protest organizers to get involved as well.

"Really we need their voice, as well as we need community leaders. We've asked them to join that group so that we get the voice of the people," Niski said.

This comes as the use-of-force policy for Denver Police announced a change over the weekend banning all chokeholds, require SWAT officers to wear body cameras during every operation, and require officers to file a use-of-force report anytime they point a firearm at a suspect -- even if they don't shoot.

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