Members of the Task Force on Student-Police Relations have come a long way since September, but student concerns aren’t resolved yet.

The three subgroups of the task force released preliminary findings and recommendations Tuesday, setting the stage for final recommendations at the next meeting Jan. 14. Such signs of progress are certainly encouraging.

The task force was created by MSU President M. Peter McPherson after it was revealed MSU police used an undercover officer in an investigation involving a campus activist group.

The task force has been dealing with privacy and safety issues in response, but has also discussed minority, outreach and communications issues.

Having an open dialogue between students, university employees and administration is an important part to overcoming the often tense relationship with police. Some recommendations already put forward include revising policies for the way student events are policed to improving the understanding of laws and officer responsibilities.

But the task force’s work should not end with its final recommendations. It is crucial for interaction between students and authorities to continue even beyond the final official task force meeting on Feb. 15, ensuring a long-standing effort to truly improve the interaction of students and police.