Friday, September 25, 2020 | View in browser
Our Review of Policing
In June, I joined more than 300 mayors from across the country in signing the “Reimagining Policing Pledge” as part of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance of the Obama Foundation. The pledge calls for cities to review and reform police use of force policies, redefine public safety, and combat systemic racism within law enforcement.
We are at a historic moment in time that provides us with an opportunity – and responsibility – to make meaningful and lasting improvements to policing. To that end, I have committed to engaging our entire community to carefully review and reconsider policing in Evanston to ensure that all residents feel safe and respected.
Today, I wanted to provide you with an update on our progress over the past several months. Here are some of the steps that we’ve collectively taken towards police reform:
Appointed nine residents to serve on the Citizen Police Review Commission. These nine community members will review police complaints and the police department’s investigation of complaints, and provide a report to the City Council’s Human Services Committee. The Commission held its first meeting in July and will meet the first Wednesday of every month.
Facilitated an independent review of our Police Use of Force Policy. The City of Evanston partnered with the Northwestern Neighborhood and Network Initiative (N3) to review its Police Use of Force Policy. N3’s report and recommendations will be presented at our next Human Services Committee meeting on October 5.
Hosted nine “Policing in Evanston” Q&A and discussions. Every Monday in July and August, I was joined by members of the Evanston Police Department and special guests from around the community and the country for a live Q&A and discussion on policing. The nine-part series covered a wide range of topics, including Police Budget, Use of Force and Body Cameras, Complaint Process, Police Training, Conversations with Black Youth on Policing, Alternative Policing Models, and more. These sessions were aimed at informing our community of Evanston-specific police policies, procedures and operations as we consider any appropriate changes to better serve our community.
Reviewed the U.S. Conference of Mayors Report on Police Reform and Racial Justice. The Evanston Police Department follows many of the best practices listed in the U.S. Conference of Mayors report, including having officers that reflect the diversity of the community and wear body-worn cameras. The department is working toward other recommendations.
Advanced plans for an alternative emergency response system pilot program. Under the leadership of 7th Ward Alderman Eleanor Revelle and after several meetings in August, the Human Services Committee advanced plans for a pilot program that would pair behavioral health specialists with paramedics to respond to mental health emergencies that currently receive a police response. This program is modeled after initiatives in Denver, Colorado and Olympia, Washington. (Representatives of these programs participated in our Police Q&A on Alternative Policing Models.) At our City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 29, I will recommend that a task force chaired by 9th Ward Ald. Cicely Fleming begin planning the implementation of this pilot program.
Established a Police Frequently Asked Questions page. This web page contains a summary of the Police Department’s 2020 Budget, frequently asked questions on police training and policies, links to our “Policing in Evanston” Q&A and discussion series, and more.
While we’ve made progress to date, there remains much work to be done. We must continue to be thoughtful in our process to ensure that all voices are heard – not just the loudest – as we consider changes that will affect the quality of life for all who live and work here. In the end, I believe our collective efforts can and will result in better interactions with police, better interactions with the public, and a safer and more equitable city for everyone.
With deep respect and gratitude for everyone’s commitment to this important issue,
Stephen H. Hagerty Mayor, City of Evanston shagerty@cityofevanston.org
Update on the City's 2021 Budget process
This September, the City held four community conversations to provide information and solicit public input on the 2021 Budget. On October 9, the Proposed 2021 Budget will be published on the City's website, and will be followed by public hearings and discussions at City Council meetings over the next two months.
2021 Budget Calendar
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Friday, October 9 - Proposed 2021 Budget published on City's website
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Monday, October 19 - Special City Council Meeting on 2021 Proposed Budget
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Monday, October 26 - 2021 Budget Public Hearing (at City Council meeting)
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October and November - Budget Discussions at City Council meetings, as needed
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Monday, November 9 - Introduction of Budget Ordinance and Tax Levies; Truth in Taxation Public Hearing (at City Council meeting)
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Monday, November 23 - Anticipated adoption of Budget Ordinance and Tax Levies
More information about the 2021 Budget process and calendar can be found at cityofevanston.org/budget.
Celebrate safely this Halloween
With COVID-19 still present in the community as Halloween approaches, the City's Health and Human Services Department is providing residents with public health guidance to celebrate the holiday safely this year. Evanston's official trick-or-treat hours are Saturday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Review trick-or-treat guidelines.
Thanks to our collective efforts, Evanston has so far managed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and manage the rate of infections. It's my expectation that we will all continue to act responsibly, exercise good judgment, and follow the guidance of our public health officials to keep our community safe. If Evanston's COVID-19 data changes significantly over the next month, the City may revise these guidelines.
View the CDC's guidelines for Halloween and other fall holidays.
Robert Crown Ribbon Cutting, October 3
Aerial photo courtesy of Patrick Hughes, Jr.
Next Saturday, October 3, please join us to celebrate the completion of the Robert Crown Community Center & Library, a project more than a decade in the making. A ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication will take place at 10 a.m. at Field Number 2. Don't forget to bring a face covering.
Have you completed the 2020 Census?
The 2020 Census deadline is coming up! Your participation will help ensure that Evanston and Illinois are fairly represented at all levels of government, and that our community receives its share of federal funding to support schools, public safety, health care, and much more. Visit my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to respond today.
'We Matter' exhibit on display, October 2-25
Manford Holmes, 2020
We Matter, an exhibition by the Chicago Alliance of African American Photographers, will be on display at Evanston's not-for-profit Perspective Gallery, 1310-1/2B Chicago Ave., from Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 25.
COVID-19 Resources
City of Evanston
Cook County
State of Illinois
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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