The Police Commission chairman has recommended that the five-member elective agency hold special meetings three or four times a year whose sole purpose would be to improve communications between the public and the commission.

Chairman Paul Mangiafico earlier this month told commission members that such meetings would provide the public with an open forum where they could raise issues of concern.

Commission members Andrew Sachs and Joel Faxon endorsed the idea.

Police Commission member Brian Budd observed that the current level of interaction between the public and the commission is much better than it was in the past. Mr Budd said he does not oppose holding special meetings for communications purposes, but said he believes that they are not necessary.

“I believe we address people’s concerns,” he said.

During its regular meetings, which are held at 6:30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month in the lower level conference room at Town Hall South at 3 Main Street, the Police Commission has two “public participation” periods. One occurs at the start of meetings and the other is held at the end of meetings.

Police Chief Michael Kehoe termed the special meetings proposed by the chairman “a good idea,” adding that the commission could hold such a special session to learn of its effectiveness.

Mr Mangiafico said this week that he would seek to schedule such a session for sometime in October.

For commission members’ review, Mr Mangiafico submitted a document known as the “open dialogue” proposal.

The public comments solicited at special meetings held several times a year would be in addition to the public comments which the panel hears at is regular meetings.

“No subject would be off limits, as long as it is one that board has responsibility for or jurisdiction over,” according to the proposal.

The Police Commission creates and implements regulations for the police department. It also serves as the local traffic authority.

At such special meetings, commission members would have sufficient time to hold discussions with the public, and not be constrained by the limited time that is available for such discussions at regular meetings, according to Mr Mangiafico.

Through such special sessions, the Police Commission could create a more transparent, conversive and meaningful relationship with the public, according to Mr Mangiafico.