South Bend is proposing changes that would let new Community Police Review Board members start voting after just a six-hour orientation, with additional training completed during their first year.

The changes are intended to help fill vacancies, reach a quorum, and review complaints against police officers.

City Council President Canneth Lee says vacancies have made it difficult for the board to gather the minimum number of members needed to conduct business.

The proposal would also let members to attend meetings remotely and make the South Bend Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy recommended instead of required.

Members would complete at least 16 hours of training during the first year and eight hours of continuing education annually.

While the board reviews complaints and recommends disciplinary action, it does not have the legal authority to discipline officers directly.