Police Chiefs from all over Mahoning Valley cities, townships and Sheriff Departments took part in an open dialogue with members of the African American community Tuesday night.

They talked about four different areas of concern for policy change. The use of excessive force, racial profiling, mandatory police body cams and what they call the need for a binding citizens review board.

Youngstown clergy, community members and leaders gathered in front of an audience of nearly two hundred people in Youngstown to talk police policy change.

People asked questions and voiced their concerns to over a dozen local police officials. Those asking questions didn't mince words.

"If you are sitting on this stage and you don't think there needs to be police reform and that these demands don't need to be heard you need to turn in your badge and resign!" said one young woman questioner.

In asking about use of excessive force, police chiefs said any use of force by an officer was investigated.

"Any use of force is documented when it is applied and it is reviewed by a supervisor and then internal affairs and then through my office. There's a follow up procedure throughout, said Youngstown Police Chief, Robin Lees.

If it is deemed excessive the officer would face suspension or removal.

They addressed racial profiling.

"When you are demeaned as a citizen, when you are degraded in front of your community, that goes on and on with you!" said one male questioner.

Police talked about the importance of hiring the right officers and wearing body cams. Some have them many don't.
Those who do have them say 9/10 times it helps to exonerate officers accused of wrongdoing.

Chief Lees of Youngstown says his department can't afford the high costs of software and storage.
As far as citizen review boards, they welcome the idea but chiefs in rural areas especially say they have a hard time getting people involved in anything.

"We need to be able to communicate freely with our citizens. We need them to want to engage with us and have those conversations. This kind of forum is a first step," explained the Milton Twp. Police Chief.

It was a two-hour-long open dialogue.  More are planned for the near future.