OKC STEPS UP TO REVIEW POLICING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
FY21 started in July 2020 with the fresh backdrop of a global pandemic followed by civil unrest related to the tragic death of George Floyd. The shocking video was a catalyst for cities across the country to start a period of self-reflection that led to numerous recommendations for changes in policing. In Oklahoma City, Mayor David Holt and CJAC Member City Manager Craig Freeman launched two companion efforts to reimagine policing in Oklahoma’s largest city. The Mayor’s Law Enforcement Policy Taskforce (LEPT) will revisit and revise the OKC Police Department’s (OKCPD) de-escalation policy. It will also revisit and revise the structure in place designed to provide credible and independent accountability back to the community, a responsibility currently belonging to OKCPD’s Citizen Advisory Board. The LEPT is made up of four Oklahoma City councilpersons, two state senators, two state representatives and more than 30 other community leaders. The LEPT is facilitated by former OKC assistant city manager and active CJAC participant M.T. Berry. The City Manager’s Community Policing Working Group (CPWG) will study how to expand and increase effective programs in the following six areas: • Training for police officers in crisis response • Officer access to mental health services • Alternative responses to mental health calls • Youth outreach • Expansion of homeless outreach initiatives • Creation of a neighborhood safety/violence interruption program The concept of the CPWG was authored by OKC Councilman James Cooper. It is made up of twelve community leaders including CJAC Member OKCPD Chief Wade Gourley. To assist both groups, the City conducted a public bidding process to select a consultant and 21st Century Policing
Solutions (21CP) was selected. 21CP helps cities and communities effectively tackle the challenges of delivering safe, effective, just and constitutional public safety services in the 21st century. The organization is led by former police chiefs, lawyers, social scientists, academics and community leaders who have turned around troubled police departments and renewed the community’s confidence in their agencies. 21CP hit the ground running and facilitated several community discussions and reviewed policies while developing reform recommendations that should be completed before the end of December 2021. Even before the final report is ready, 21CP has made several preliminary recommendations regarding de-escalation, use of force, data transparency and post-incident procedures for officers involved in a shooting. OKCPD has started exploring how to implement some of the preliminary recommendations. In response to the expectation that some of the 21CP recommendations could have substantial budget implications for the FY22 OKC budget, City Manger Freeman announced that up to $300,000 was set aside for that purpose. To find out more about 21CP, visit 21cpsolutions.com.
A February virtual townhall meeting, hosted by the OK Justice Circle, featured discussions between OKCPD leaders, faith and community leaders, and the introduction of former Philadelphia and Washington DC Police Chief Chuck Ramsey with 21CP.
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