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A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM COUNCIL PRESIDENT SHANNON G. HARDIN
My colleagues and I do not claim to know every answer. Right now, we need to get comfortable working in that space of uncertainty. It's different, new, and uncomfortable. But we do know that we need change -- radical change.
It isn't about taking the road most traveled. If there were a perfect road-map to a safe and just community, we wouldn't have protests across America. We are building that road-map day by day, conversation by conversation.
In the next month, we will advance a short-term legislative package around no-knock raids, hate-group affiliation, demilitarization, and independent investigations. We will have hearings, and we will vote.
Some will say we are moving too fast, while others claim it's too slow and not enough. After our legislative break in August, we head into our budgetary process. We will provide folks with a venue to reimagine public safety. The current system is not working, and we need to develop something better, together.
I'm committed to imagining a different kind of public safety. If my elderly neighbor with dementia gets into an argument with a family member, I want the person who overhears the situation to be able to call a frontline mental health specialist for help.
If you get shot and end up in the hospital, I want a social worker present to help make sure you've got what you need to thrive, rather than retaliate.
I imagine a city where folks don't come up to me at my nephew's pre-school graduation to tell me they're scared about interactions with police.
We’ll undertake a community engagement process to reimagine public safety. We need your ideas, and you can email ideas about reimagining public safety to reimaginesafety@columbus.gov. We are listening, and we’ve got work to do.
Yours in Service,
Shannon G. Hardin
City Council President
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On Thursday, June 25, 2020, Columbus City Council announced short- and long-term steps in response to recent instances of police misconduct and ongoing unrest. Prior to the August recess, Council will advance a legislative package that includes independent investigations into lethal force, limiting or banning no-knock raids, demilitarizing the police and instituting background checks for hate-group affiliation.
Public hearings on these items will be held to ensure the community's voice is involved. In the long-term following the legislative recess, Council will engage in a community process to reimagine public safety leading into the 2021 operating budget.
Watch our announcement here.
 KEVIN KORVO/THISWEEK
No-Knock and Quick-Knock Raids
No-knock warrants permit entry into a business or residence without first knocking or identifying oneself as a police officer. No-knock raids are considered dangerous and unnecessary by many academics and advocacy organizations. Council will hold hearings to determine Columbus Division of Police' current usage of no-knock and quick-knock raids and advance legislation based on findings.
Expand Background Checks for Police to include Hate-Group Affiliation
Council will pursue the expansion of background checks to include hate group affiliations. A resident submitted this concept. Council will elevate this conversation by holding a public hearing on this idea and advancing legislation.
Demilitarize the Police
Council will vote to destroy weapons identified in the Obama Administration's prohibited weapons list and review items on the controlled list, such as Humvees and batons, to determine further action. Council will hold a hearing on this topic on June 30 at 4 pm.
Independent Investigations
The Community Safety Advisory Commission advanced multiple accountability measures in their list of recommendations. The items include, creating a Civilian Review Board and a City-funded, operationally-independent, professionally-staffed, public entity empowered to participate fully in criminal or administrative investigations involving CDP personnel. As a stop-gap measure, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther formalized an agreement to allow the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to investigate the Columbus Division of Police's use of lethal force. However, legislative action is required to advance the implementation of the Community Safety Advisory Commission's recommendations.
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“When looking at the fundamental question “are we keeping every resident safe” we know the current and long-standing system is failing,” said Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown. “The answers and the path forward lie in the voices of those who are fighting to be heard right now. We all must listen.” |
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“There are racial disparities in the criminal justice system,” said Councilmember Priscilla Tyson. “As we are reimagining policing we have to utilize our resources and funding to address the underlying causes of the social determinants of health including racism and poverty.” |
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"I support Chief Quinlan and the Division of Police," said Councilmember Mitchell J. Brown. "However, it is vital that we institute policies that prohibit our officers from unjustly causing harm to our citizens. I look forward to utilizing my experience to develop innovative programming that will supplement the services of police and address the socioeconomic issues within our community. Change is constant; it does not happen overnight. It will be challenging, but it will be worth it." |
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“As we begin to reimagine public safety in our community, I think it would be a disservice to not acknowledge the foreseeable risks associated with the use of No-Knock and Quick-Knock Warrants” said Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy. “I am committed to reviewing our local raid policies to ensure they align with best practices and safety of our community.” |
“To reimagine public safety in Columbus means we must take a hard look at all of the systems that contribute to inequities in our community,” said Councilmember Shayla Favor. “In addition to considering legislation that will require Hate Group Affiliation Background Checks for Columbus Division of Police officers and 911 call operators, I am also committed to prioritizing a budget that focuses on safe, affordable housing and criminal justice reforms that exist outside of the City’s Department of Public Safety. Change is difficult and scary, but we must take up this charge to build an equitable Columbus that works for all of our citizens.”
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"We don’t need another study, commission or panel to tell us that we need to reshape the way we investigate the use of force by officers," said Councilmember Rob Dorans. "We’ve heard it loud and clear from our residents. Now it is time for legislative action to create independent investigation to restore the trust and confidence that I know is felt by so many." |
General Election Day 2020 is November 3, and Columbus City Council wants to make sure you have all the information you need to vote.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consider voting absentee. Register to vote online, submit the absentee voting request here: https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/
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