Council proposes public safety and community oversight subcommittee to review use-of-force, data transparency and task-force recommendations

Councilmember Nichols proposed a public safety and community oversight subcommittee to assess progress on a prior advisory task force and to consider additional recommendations on policing, services, and data transparency.

Nichols said the 2020–21 Public Safety Advisory Task Force generated recommendations across six pillars and "this council subcommittee will evaluate the progress made in implementing those recommendations, considering whether additional recommendations within those pillars are warranted and reviewing more recent technologies, policies, and procedures related to public safety." The proposal specifically listed reviewing 911 response, de-escalation and use-of-force policies, internal use of data, and data-driven public communications.

Councilmembers expressed support and the council registered consensus to form the subcommittee; Nichols said he looked forward to working with Mayor Corey Woods and Councilmember Brooke St. George on the effort. The subcommittee will examine whether strategic performance measures or additional transparency steps are needed and will provide follow-up reporting to the council.