Council Town Hall on Alternative Crisis Response Options for Columbus
WHAT
A virtual town hall focused on establishing alternative public safety crisis response
WHO
Council President Shannon G. Hardin
Betsy Pearl, Center for American Progress
Amos Irwin, Program Director at Law Enforcement Action Partnership
Asst. Chief Tom Thompson (Ret.), Law Enforcement Action Partnership
WHEN
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
5:30pm
WHERE
Tune in on Facebook
Tune in on YouTube
Tune in on CTV
Call In:
1-650-479-3207
Access code: 180 969 1521
City Council announced a series of town hall discussions to gain further insight into reimagining safety in the capital City. Each forum features subject-matter experts leading the conversation and opportunities for public dialogue.
"These town halls are designed to hear from national subject-matter experts as well as local residents who are experts on our City and what will keep them safe," said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. "In 2020, we saw the deadliest year on record when it comes to homicides in Columbus. We saw two unarmed residents gunned down by law enforcement in December. Council is committed to pushing forward an operating budget that reimagines safety."
In 2020, Council began the initial phase of reform with the passage of a comprehensive legislative safety package, which included independent investigations into lethal force, demilitarization of police, limiting no-knock raids and instituting background checks for hate-group affiliation. This series continues the ongoing deliberations of the City's Operating Budget.
"Achieving real change that protects the safety of every person in our city will take fierce dedication and the willpower of all of us working together,” said President Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown. “These town halls will help direct our efforts as we continue working to reimagine public safety through the operating budget and other city programs. We have heard the calls from across our city that the status quo is unacceptable, and it is our duty as elected officials to respond.”
The town hall will be streamed on Council's Facebook page and the City of Columbus YouTube channel.
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