DENVER -- Denver's mayor announced a sweeping modernization of the Denver Police Department Tuesday.

"The time is long overdue for everyone in the Denver family, whether they are a resident or a police officer, to come together and create the critical balance that will protect both our public and our police," said John Hickenlooper (pictured, left). "My Administration will not rest until this balance is restored."

Hickenlooper said the reforms would change the way the police department interacts with citizens, and provide officers with the training and tools they need to protect public safety, while helping Denver restore public confidence in its police force.

The mayor said he wants to broaden the scope of police training, increase the number of tasers available to officers by one-third and work on other "less lethal" weapons for officers.

In what could become a controversial move within the police department, Hickenlooper announced that, for the first time, two citizens will be added to the Firearms Discharge Review Board, commonly known as the Shoot Board.

"The changes we are implementing now will demonstrate our commitment to constructive actions to modernize the police department thereby protecting the safety of the general public and the officers themselves," said Hickenlooper.

Among his other recommendations, the mayor said he is appointing a minority recruiter to ensure a more diverse police force and suggested appointing an "independent monitor" to independently review police actions.