HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-1110RESOLUTION NO. 20- 1110
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE MAYOR’S COMMITMENT TO 1) REVIEWING
USE-OF-FORCE POLICIES, 2) ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY IN SUCH REVIEW BY
INCLUDING DIVERSE INPUT, 3) REPORTING THE FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW TO THE
COMMUNITY AND SEEKING FEEDBACK, AND 4) REFORMING USE-OF-FORCE
POLICIES; CREATING AN AD HOC USE-OF-FORCE REVIEW COMMITTEE;
CONFIRMING THE CHARGE FOR THE COMMITTEE; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE
WHEREAS, the United States experiences thousands of police use-of-force incidents
annually, resulting in death and injury to both officers and citizens; and
WHEREAS, the City of Denton cherishes the safety of its residents and understands that
effective policing must recognize the humanity and dignity of every person and strive to
continually address issues of equity in its policies and practices; and
WHEREAS, the death of George Floyd, an unarmed person of color, by officers of the
Minneapolis Police Department has stirred a national debate for the need to review and improve
the equitable and proper use-of-force by public safety entities across the nation; and
WHEREAS, members of the City of Denton community have led demonstrations and
protests to express their outrage at the death of George Floyd, their concern that the use-of-force
by police on persons of color across the United States has been committed in a discriminatory and
disproportionate manner that has resulted in injury or death, and the desire to have such policies
and practices of the Denton Police Department reviewed; and
WHEREAS, the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is calling on mayors to pledge a
commitment to the following actions:
1. Reviewing police use-of-force policies;
2. Engaging the community by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories
in the review:
3 . Reporting the findings of the review to the community and seeking feedback; and
4. Reforming our community’s police use-of-force policies; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Chris Watts seeks the support of the City Council for committing to
participate in this program and the prompt appointment of an ad hoc committee of residents
representing the diversity of the City of Denton to execute a review of the Denton Police
Department’s use-of-force policies and training, gather community input, and report findings;
NOW, THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY RESOLVES:
SECTION 1. The findings and recitals contained in the preamble are hereby adopted and
incorporated into the body of this resolution as if set out in full.
SECTION 2. An ad hoc Use-of-Force Committee is hereby created, which shall be
composed of City of Denton residents who represent a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and
backgrounds and shall be appointed by the Mayor. The Mayor plans to appoint a number of
citizens, including representatives from the following or similar groups:
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) University
of North Texas College Chapter
The Denton Police Training Advisory Committee
Local Universities/Colleges
The LGBTQ Community
The Faith Community
Denton Independent School District
Denton County MHMR
Persons with Disabilities
The Denton Police Officers Association (DPOA)
The Denton Municipal Police Association (DMPA)
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The Committee shall elect a chairperson from its membership and shall perform its
functions in accordance with this resolution. Any matters not addressed in this resolution shall be
governed by the "City of Denton Handbook for Boards, Commissions, and Council Committees."
SECTION 3. The Use-of-Force Committee shall review, research, gather community input,
and establish clear findings, conclusions, and achievable recommendations that promote the use
of best practices in use-of-force policies and training for the Denton Police Department. City of
Denton staff will provide administrative and technical assistance as needed.
SECTION 4. The Use-of-Force Committee shall report on its findings, conclusions, and
recommendations to the Mayor and City Council no later than September 15, 2020. Such findings,
conclusions, and recommendations shall be made available to the public.
SECTION 5. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
approval.
)rove this Resolution was made by+Haha this
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The motion to
seconded by
the following vote B - Z] :
and approved by
Mayor Chris Watts:
Gerard Hudspeth, District 1 :
Keely G. Briggs, District 2:
Jesse Davis. District 3 :
John Ryan, District 4:
Deb Armintor, At Large Place 5 :
Paul Meltzer, At Large Place 6:
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Aye Nay Abstain Absent
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PASSED AND APPROVED this the day of 2020
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ATTEST:
ROSA RIOS, CITY SECRETARY
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APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
AARON L CITY ATTORNEY