Voters approved the measure on the Fall 2007 City ballot to strengthen
the PCRB; and part of that amendment to the City Charter provides for a
forum at least once yearly to hear citizens' suggestions and desires
regarding police practices and policies. – and to hear complaints, if
any.

For those who think, for example, that police priorities should be
changed to focus more on prevention of crimes that have victims (e.g.,
the assaults and robberies we have had lately) and less on PAULA
tickets and marijuana possession, the forum would be a good place to
talk about that – suggesting that officers in cars, on bikes and on
foot patrol the streets surrounding the downtown area rather than
having such a large presence on the Ped Mall every evening.

Recently, a friend's wife's mother (over 80 years old, living in Ames)
had her arm and wrist broken by Ames police, who were trying to
restrain her when her medications apparently made her temporarily
delusional. The question could be asked: what training do local
officers receive in dealing with violent persons who are old and
'brittle'?

Finally, communication is the key to better relationships. The police
need to know what type of policing the community wants. It isn't fair
to criticize them about not being in touch with community policing
desires if citizens do not give them any feedback.