Title
Presentation of Recommendation concerning Colorado Springs Police Department Use of Force Study from the Law Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Commission (LETAC)
Presenter:
Janice Frazier, Chair, LETAC
Steve Kern, Vice Chair, LETAC
Yolanda Avila, Councilmember District 4
Randy Helms, Councilmember District 2
Wayne Williams, Councilmember At Large
Body
Summary:
LETAC recommends that Colorado Springs City Council fully support the Colorado Springs Police Department in its efforts to prioritize, fund, and implement the eight recommendations included in the Assessment of Colorado Springs Police Department Use of Force, a report prepared by Transparency Matters LLC and distributed publicly on April 26, 2022. In line with its charter and mission, LETAC especially endorses those recommendations and action items that aim to:
1. enhance transparency and trust through timely release of details and data about use of force;
2. improve training, supervision, and accountability regarding use of force, including enhanced use of de-escalation tactics and reduction in frequency of pointing of firearms events;
3. increase collaboration between CSPD and the community to address racial/ethnic disparities where they exist.
Background:
On January 4, 2021, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) announced that it had secured the services of Transparency Matters LLC (TM LLC) "to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the police department's use of force" (CSPD Partners with Transparency Matters LLC). CSPD commissioned this review of its own accord. On February 7, 2022, LETAC communicated to City Council a set of action steps that would comprise the Commission's own review of the study when released, as follows:
1. LETAC affirms its invitation to CSPD leadership to discuss the study with the full Commission. LETAC requests a meeting with CSPD to determine a timeline and format for these meetings. We hope such meetings will occur periodically as th...
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