COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: Briefing on the Community Health & Equity Committee’s Plan to address Mayor’s Charge on Police Reform
SUMMARY:
Briefing on the Community Health & Equity Committee’s plan to review policing practices and policies as they relate to racial and gender equity and mental health de-escalation, as per the Mayor’s charge.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On June 11, 2020, Mayor Nirenberg circulated a memo to members of City Council requesting the City Council committees’ assistance in reviewing the policies and practices of the San Antonio Police Department as follows:
● Public Safety - Review and finalize our "8 Can't Wait” policies and review our community policing programs, use of force policies and crowd dispersal tactics;
● Community Health & Equity - Evaluate best policing practices to help promote race and gender equity in our community and review mental health de-escalation measures; and
● Intergovernmental Relations - Develop a robust legislative agenda that addresses public safety unions, qualified immunity and transparency in officer personnel records.
ISSUE:
Councilwoman Sandoval will propose a plan to address the Mayor’s charge for the Community Health & Equity Committee and will seek feedback from Committee members. The plan includes:
1. Presentations to the Committee by a panel of practitioners, scholars, and affected community members in the fields described in the charge; and
2. A virtual community dialogue to discuss the issues described in the charge; and
3. Preparation of a set of recommendations to City Council.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for briefing purposes only.