Council Continues Reimagining Public Safety Effort
In 2020, Columbus City Council launched the Reimagine Safety initiative after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis led to nationwide protests.
With thousands of written statements, emails and live speakers, Council passed a legislative package in July to begin the process of reimagining public safety in Columbus. The three priorities were alternative crisis response, investing in violence prevention, and investing in a better, more accountable division.
Historic advancements have been made to begin the process of reimagining public safety in the City. This includes the creation of a Civilian Police Review Board and independent investigations into allegations of police misconduct.
City Council seeks to outline a path toward a more just and equitable City by passing new legislation that reimagines public safety in Columbus. Each initiative, crafted with resident input, will support Council's ultimate goal of healing, rebuilding and strengthening Columbus.
These efforts are in addition to working with the Administration and the Department of Public Safety to immediately implement recommendations from the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission Report, which can be found
here, and the commissioned report by Matrix Consulting on the Columbus Division of Police, which can be found
here.
Columbus City Council shared its final report highlighting the results of its Reimagine Public Safety outreach and engagement efforts. An overwhelming portion of residents want alternative responses to non-violent emergency calls and programs to understand and address the root causes of violence.
Facilitated by the Saunders PR Group, more than 4,000 residents responded to the online survey, submitted ideas across multiple focus groups and town halls discussions. From December 2020 through early February 2021, these public engagement opportunities were conducted to hear the voices of the community and further understand Columbus residents' thoughts, opinions and ideas related to reimagining public safety.
“Council’s most important role is to listen to the community and work to keep our community safe,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “This feedback will form the basis for Council’s investments in reimagining safety and drive ongoing reform efforts.”
Download the final report here.
View the report as an interactive flipbook
Council Begins Effort to Reimagine Public Safety
On July 27, 2020, Columbus City Council passed a legislative package that included independent investigations into lethal force, limiting or banning no-knock raids, demilitarizing the police and instituting background checks for hate-group affiliation. Read for more information.
Reimagining Public Safety Town Hall Series
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.
Each session focuses
on one of the three pillars, which are the backbone of Council's efforts moving
forward to reimagining safety. They are investing in accountability and a
better Division of Police, establishing alternative crisis response models and
investing in violence prevention.
Any
resident seeking to provide written or live testimony via WebEx during the
virtual hearing must submit their intention using the following LINK HERE. Requests must be entered by noon on the day of
the event. Ten speakers will be heard per town hall, with remarks limited to
three minutes or less. There will be audience engagement activities during the
town hall events.
- Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 5:30pm
Establishing Alternative Public Safety Crisis Response, led by Council
President Shannon G. Hardin - Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 5:30pm
Investing in Violence Prevention, led by Councilmember Mitchell J. Brown - Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 5:30pm
Investing in Accountability and a Better Division of Police, led by
Councilmember Rob Dorans - Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 5:30pm
Establishing Alternative Public
Safety Crisis Response, led by Councilmember Shayla Favor - Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 4pm
Investing in Violence Prevention, led by President Pro Tem Elizabeth Brown - Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 5:30pm
Investing in Accountability and a Better Division of Police, hosted by
Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy
The town halls will be streamed on Council's Facebook page and the City of Columbus YouTube channel.
For more information on these town hall events, click here.
Reports and Data
Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission Report here
Matrix Consulting report on the Columbus Division of Police Operational Review here