HomeMy WebLinkAboutEncouraging the City Administration Establish a Minority Hiring Program for Fire & Police Implement Proactive Policies Identifying Officer Behavior Look into Body Cameras a Citizens Review BoardAttest
RESOLUTION
4413 -14
Passed by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana
December 8,
14
20 .
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana
December 9,
14
City Clerk
President of Common Council
a,e-.- '� -V�-
Approved and signed by me Ale- 20 .
City Clerk
0
RESOLUTION l �3
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
INDIANA, ENCOURAGING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO ESTABLISH A
MINORITY HIRING PROGRAM FOR THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS, TO
DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT PROACTIVE POLICIES IDENTIFYING OFFICER
BEHAVIOR INCONSISTENCES AND TO LOOK INTO POLICE BODY CAMERAS
AND A CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
w4w. a, the South Bend Common Council recognizes that for the past several
years the Council has had discussions with the City Administration on the need to
develop viable programs in both the South Bend Fire Department and the South Bend
Police Department which prioritize minority recruitment and retention for both of these
public safety departments; and
z//( w.u, the Common Council further recognizes that neither the Fire Department
of the Police Department currently reflect the demographics of our City; and that the
Police Department currently has many openings which need to be filled in order to
reach the budgeted number of sworn members; and
2f/lueaa, on November 24, 2014, President Obama addressed the nation and
noted in part that "... we need to recognize that the situation in Ferguson speaks to
broader challenges that we still face as a nation. The fact is, into many parts of this
country, a deep distrust exists between law enforcement and communities of color... the
good news is we know there are things we can do to help. And I've instructed Attorney
General Holder to work with cities across the country to help build better relations
between communities and law enforcement...'; and
2Ulwrm.4, the last week in November, 2014, Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.
launched the Department of Justice's "National Initiative for Building Community Trust
and Justice" which will study five (5) cities and will focus on "training to reduce bias and
ensure fairness in law enforcement "; and
ZOk tww on August 18, 2014, a "Unified Statement of Action to Promote Reform
and Stop Police Abuse' was issued after convening fourteen (14) national civil and
human rights organization and leaders which recommended in part, in response to the
events in Ferguson, Missouri:
'...use of body -worn cameras by police officers
"...the need for diversity across police departments... "'and
2f4ow,", the City of South Bend, Indiana, has the opportunity to be a leader by
moving forward on discussions to address and improve many programs in these critical
areas which affect our entire community.
%low, 7 e, 4 a w4d#a, 4 (4 /(pxn eoamcd 4 the 04 4 So a Bead, 9rcdta. a, as O&ow ,
Section I. The Common Council believes that the Fire and Police Department of
the City of South Bend are the backbone of our community who provide public safety
services on a 2417 basis.
Section II. In order to assure that the best practices are being implemented,
especially in both of our public safety departments, the following topics should be timely
studied, prioritized and discussed for the betterment of the entire South Bend
Community, with each topic having the governing laws and policies summarized, a
cost/benefit analysis for each; and short and long -term recommendations:
• Developing a minority hiring program for the City of South Bend employees and
in particular for the South Bend Fire Department and the South Bend Police
Department
• Body cameras for public safety officers
• Early warning system to identify employees who may be prone to emotional
instability or behavior programs which negatively affects their ability to properly
carry out their duties and responsibilities
• Mandatory reporting of incidents by race
• Citizens Review Board
Section III. The City Council will work together with the Administration, Police
Department, Director of Human Resources and Community members to study the
topics listed in Section II, and shall follow up with reports of the Health and Public
Safety Committee throughout 2015
Section IV. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and alter its
adoption by the Council and approval by th ayor.
Henry Davis, Jr., 2 "d Di ict
South Q.gnd Commo Co ncil
V IIPP., J. VQVI V ✓�Ol11Vl
South nd mmon G' i
Valerie Schey, 31 District
South Bend Common Council
Voting in Favor u
Voting in
Office of the City
PRESENM) LL 0- -I a'f-
,44#&d Sala � 4W 4 Vm&.4t, 2014
NOT APPROWD
AoovTEV lL?- ULt q_ v a'-d -J
, Indiana
Filed it'" > ='-.' Office
C� -8 2014
JOHN � "ICI DE
CITY CLERX, SOJI -F, REND, IN