SUBSTITUTE
Public Hearing: YES ? NO ? Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
To Adopt a Resolution Establishing a Police Civilian Review Board in DeKalb County, GA to Review and Investigating Certain Complaints Against the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) and its Employees.
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. "Ted" Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
This proposed resolution establishes a DeKalb County Police Civilian Review Board purposed to review and investigate certain complaints against DKPD and its employees. Police civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies can transform organizational culture in a positive way. Changes in technology, widespread access to the Internet, smartphones, 24/7 access to continual loops of news and organized activism are just a few of the factors nudging law enforcement toward the future of Police Civilian Review Boards. These factors, combined with the complex societal issues with which the police are asked to deal with are creating an atmosphere ripe of change.
NEED/IMPACT:
DeKalb County Government respects, appreciates, and supports DKPD and its employees. In a continued effort to model best practices, establishing a Police Civilian Review Board joins neighboring cities and counties surrounding the metro-Atlanta area to mitigate raised concerns among residents of incidents of police brutality and excessive use of force and highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability. Establishing a Police Civilian Review Board will provide a mechanism for the community to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions, provide a platform for transparency, promote trust between the community and law enforcement, and assist as an important educational community resource.
The Civilian Review Board's primary responsibility would include reviewing and investigating c...
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