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 the department’s response to the study progresses.
2. LETAC will review all progress reports and press releases issued by CSPD regarding the TM LLC study. We hope such communications will be comprehensive, frequent, and easily accessible to the public.
3. LETAC will send Commissioners to public briefings held by CSPD, City Administration, City Council, and TMC LLC regarding the use of force study.
4. LETAC will place on its agenda its own review of the TM LLC study.
5. Through its review of CSPD’s reports and LETAC’s discussions with CSPD, the Commission will seek to learn the following: a. CSPD’s own understanding of and reaction to the TM LLC assessment; b. CSPD’s next steps, if any, in response to specific findings and recommendations by TM LLC; c. CSPD’s rationale for no action on any specific recommendations; d. CSPD’s accounts of the results of any actions CSPD takes in response to recommendations.
6. LETAC will encourage additional input from Colorado Springs residents regarding the study.
7. As a result of the above steps, LETAC may a) make formal recommendations to City Council in accordance with its charter; and b) may offer its own assessment of CSPD’s response to the study.
LETAC has completed its own review of the report (May-August 2022) and now submits this general recommendation with individual commissioner comments. This recommendation is not LETAC’s final engagement with CSPD’s efforts to improve use of force policies and practices. LETAC will follow CSPD’s progress in a variety of ways, including reviewing updates CSPD has already begun to post on its website (Transparency Matters Report | Colorado Springs) and holding discussions with CSPD leadership and representatives during Commission meetings.
Previous Council Action:
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Financial Implications:
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City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
At the August 15, 2022 Regular Commission meeting, the Commission voted 8-0 to approve the recommendation.
Stakeholder Process:
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Alternatives:
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Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
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Summary of Ordinance Language
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