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SALT LAKE CITY — A new bill at the Utah Legislature requires police departments to bring in another department to investigate an officer's use of force.
Supporters say it's another step in trying to assure citizens they are safe and protected. They say people still want to know that police are dedicated to protecting the public and are not out to shoot and kill.
Gina Thayne never thought she would join others at the Salt Lake Library to talk about police use of force.
"It takes numbers. It takes numbers. Strength comes in numbers," she said.
When Salt Lake City police fatally shot her nephew, Dillon Taylor, last year, Thayne said her life changed.
People need to have a voice and they need to know somebody is listening, especially a decision-maker, somebody that's at the head of the table.
–West Valley Police Chief Lee Russo
"I want to see some change in our police departments," she said.
West Valley Police Chief Lee Russo and the director of Utah's Peace Officer Standards and Training joined activists for a town hall meeting to talk about policies and possible improvements.
"Change will happen," Russo said. "That's the one constant in our society."
The issue remains far from resolved, but many people agree it can be changed for the better, on both sides.
"People need to have a voice and they need to know somebody is listening, especially a decision-maker, somebody that's at the head of the table," Russo said.
For Thayne, it's a step in the right direction, not only for her but for everyone who feels enough is enough.
"I don't want to see anybody else lose their life for senseless reasons," she said.
The bill still needs to be assigned a committee. Lawmakers likely will debate the pros and cons.
