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CC - (1) Recommendation from the Ad Hoc Police Liaison Subcommittee to Establish a Task Force to Review Public Safety Services; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
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Contact Person/Dept: Serena Wright-Black/Administrative Services
Phone Number: (310) 253-5640
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [] No []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (06/18/2020)
Department Approval: John M. Nachbar, City Manager (06/17/2020)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) consider a recommendation from the Ad Hoc Police Liaison Subcommittee (“Subcommittee”) to establish a task force to review public safety services; and (2) provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
In response to numerous community requests, City Council held a Special Meeting on June 15, 2020 for the purpose of hearing from the public on Police Department policies and budget.
After significant public comment, City Council authorized the Mayor to sign Former President Barack Obama’s Mayor’s Pledge (“Pledge”). The Pledge commits mayors, city councils and police oversight bodies to the following actions:
(1) Review police use of force policies.
(2) Engage communities by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories in the review.
(3) Report the findings of the review to the community and seek feedback.
(4) Reform the police use of force policies.
City Council also received substantial feedback from the community on the allocation of police resources. There was an overwhelming number of comments from all aspects of the issue of redistributing police services and responsibilities.
The Subcommittee, consisting of Mayor Göran Eriksson and Council Member Thomas Small, is recommending that City Council authorize the development of a task force to review all public safety services, delivery and approach (“Task Force”).
The Task Force would be directed to review public safety duties and responsibilities, collaborate with affected City departments and labor representatives, and engage the community in developing a recommended plan for City Council consideration.
Should City Council approve the establishment of a Task Force, staff is requesting direction on the composition of the group, whether the Subcommittee would be involved and if community members will be included. Depending on the nature of the Task Force, and whether members are appointed by the City Council and/or include the Subcommittee, the Task Force could be subject to the Brown Act.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Personnel resources will be required to staff the Task Force. There may be other incidental costs associated with research and community outreach information and material.
ATTACHMENTS
N/A
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Consider a recommendation from the Ad Hoc Police Liaison Subcommittee to establish a task force to review public safety services; and
2. Provide direction to the City Manager as appropriate.