POLICE VIOLENCE has been in the U.S. spotlight much too frequently these days. Be it Ferguson (Mo.) or Baltimore or several other cities across this nation, unrest and protests have been associated with law enforcement.

With that as a backdrop, it was refreshing to see the city of Cleveland reach a police accord recently with the U.S. Department of Justice.

It is hoped the freshly minted agreement will transform Cleveland’s troubled police department into a more efficient and interactive force. Only time will tell.

The agreement encompasses 105 pages and still must receive approval from a judge and an independent monitor chosen by the city. That individual will also oversee the reforms.

At the heart of the lengthy report is the call for community policing, improved training and policies concerning the use of force and more sensitivity in dealing with the mentally ill.

The agreement also seeks the creation of a community police commission. It would consist of 10 residents and three police union officials that will make recommendations on practices aimed at making policing free of bias, accountable and transparent.

The accord is much-needed.

If this plays out as hoped, it will prove helpful in easing the longstanding tensions between the police force and city residents, especially in the black community. Blacks make up more than 50 percent of the Cleveland population.

The Justice Department released a blistering report in December, accusing Cleveland police of using excessive force and violating people’s civil rights. That being the case, the new police agreement is one that can trigger a much-needed healthier relationship between Cleveland’s police department and the community.