Report Prepared by: Stephanie R. Dietz, Interim City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Police Advisory Committee’s Recommendations Related to the Merced Police Department Use of Force Policies and Positions on Proposed Legislation
REPORT IN BRIEF
Police Advisory Committee’s recommendations related to the Merced Police Department use of force policies and positions on proposed legislation.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion accepting the Police Advisory Committee’s recommendations related to the Merced Police Department use of force policies and positions on proposed legislation.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by the Police Advisory Committee; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by City Council; or,
3. Deny this request; or,
4. Refer back to the Committee for reconsideration of specific policies/legislation (specific policies to be addressed in City Council motion); or,
5. Continue to a future City Council meeting (date and time to be specified in motion).
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
This recommendation is consistent with City Council’s priority in establishing and strengthening police transparency, operational improvements, and to enhance the quality of life of residents within the City of Merced.
DISCUSSION
On June 25, 2020, and the one-month anniversary of the death of George Floyd, Mayor Mike Murphy and Council Member Delray Shelton announced the creation of an advisory committee, formally named the Police Advisory Committee, to review the Merced Police Department policies and procedures.
Eighteen members of the community were appointed to evaluate operations, training, and policies and procedures as they relate to the use of force and make any recommendations for the City Council’s consideration within 90 days.
Mayor Murphy worked with Council Member Shelton and other Council Members in selecting the committee members. Dee Tatum, a retired Chief Executive Officer of Merced County and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, led the committee as chairperson. The members of the Committee are Rhonda Batson, Allen Brooks, Wil Dean, Cesar “C-Flo” Johnson, Sharon Jones, Edwin Kainth, See Lee, Kari May, Nellie McGarry, Robert Morris, Rudy Sanchez, Al Schaap, Shane Smith, Gabriela Spiva, and Moua Thao. Nailah Hubbard and Tatiana Vizcaino were also appointed, however they were not able to participate in the work of the committee.
The Police Advisory Committee (PAC) held a series of four meetings to understand the Police Department’s recruitment process, trainings, legislative bills proposed related to use of force, and where policies could be enhanced within the bounds of California state law.
Through the meetings of 7/23/20, 8/6/20, and 8/20/20, PAC members and City staff covered four legislative memos on Assembly Bills 203, 731, 1196, and 1299. They discussed Police Policies 300, 300.2, 300.3.4, 300.4, 300.4.1, 300.5, 409.4, and 430.6 as they are related to the #8can’twait campaign. Police Department personnel were present at each meeting to answer questions from the committee. In addition, information was presented to better explain the hiring process and training of officers within the Merced Police Department.
Attached for the City Council’s consideration is the PAC Final Report.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. PAC Final Report