KISSIMMEE, Fla. - For the first time, citizens are getting the chance to formally weigh in on the Kissimmee Police Department's policies, and the opportunity to review use of force cases.

An independent board providing oversight to KPD Internal Affairs is a first for the department.

Police Chief Jeff O’Dell’s been thinking about it for years, but George Floyd's murder by a Minneapolis police officer last year, prompted more discussion.

“The incident that happened in Minnesota and kind of the narrative across our country, I thought it was perfect timing," Chief O'Dell said.

The group of five will review citizen complaints as well as departmental investigations in situations like use of deadly force or alleged abuse of power.

KPD Use of Force data shows 76 cases in 2019 where officers had to respond to resistance, 64 in 2020 and 49 through November 2021.

These situations can also be non-arrests like someone being baker acted.

“We will review those with the board. They have an opportunity to ask any questions. We’ll kind of show how everything was resolved. How it did or did not follow our policy, if it did not, we’ll let them know the outcome or corrective action taken with the officers," Chief O'Dell said.

A member of the board is Nilisa Council.

We first introduced you to Council in July, working to help families grow their own food through her non-profit "Love Makes Me Grow."

She prides herself on community engagement, and she’s looking forward to serving on the board.

“I’m the type of person, that when I come back to my community, anything they’re telling me, or asking me right there, I’m coming right back to my chief, let me get the right answer for you," Council said.

Her goal is to make communication between police and the community even stronger.

“If I can change one mindset, one perspective, then I’ve done my job, but I’m going for everybody," Council said.

To be on the board, you either have to live, work or own property in the city of Kissimmee.