Tim Keizer says rank-and-file officers want the public onside. (CBC)

The head of Charlottetown's police union says operational changes announced Wednesday should improve morale, both inside and outside the force.

Union members were on hand when city council announced changes to the way the force operates, in response to a deeply critical independent review by consultants Verheul & Associates.

The report found morale was low among police officers and getting worse. Recommended changes included more training for officers, more police on the street and better opportunity for advancement.

"We would be silly if we thought we couldn't better ourselves. That would be a very arrogant approach for this department to take," said Const. Tim Keizer, who represents the Charlottetown local of the police union.

The report also said members of the public are losing confidence in the force. Council has decided to address that problem by obtaining community feedback through a mayor's task force and surveys.

Keizer said rank-and-file officers want the public to be on their side.

"They talked about a community focus group that's going to have input. I think that's invaluable," he said.

"Unless we're told what areas are of concern in the general public, then we can't implement them."

Mayor Clifford Lee said the force will be reorganized within six months.