Bright yellow caution tape going across the picture with some dark images in the background
Tuesday, June 25 and Thursday, June 27, 2019
These forums are opportunities for residents and any interested stakeholders to provide their input directly to city staff regarding what characteristics they would like to see in the next Police Chief. The community engagement firm and city staff provide a brief overview of the Division of Police, the role of the Police Chief, and a summary of the search process. Residents also answer three questions in small group sessions and report out to the entire group on their thoughts. Finally, participants are invited to complete a short survey at the end of the forum. All of the information gathered in these forums will be included in a final report summarizing what the community would like to see in the next Police Chief. The survey is available here:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBUSchiefandme.  In addition, the city is conducting forums for residents to weigh in on the selection of the next Columbus Chief of Police. Coverage of forum in Clintonville.

From SURJ - Issues to consider:   The next Chief must work with the community through an independent citizen/trained community review group. Change will only happen if it is monitored and transparent to the community.   Columbus needs new progressive leadership who will tackle existing issues head-on with solutions based in state-of-the-art research and data. Data-driven policing is progressive, and it is crucial for both officer and community safety. Any progressive/great police leadership has worked with and will regularly work with local colleges and universities.   In 2018, a large group of faith leaders reported discrimination and racism within/among officers of the Columbus Division of Police. How will the next Chief address this?   Mayor Ginther has stated that “police and community relations, not just in Columbus but around the country, have never been more complicated and complex…Trust is shaken…relationships are strained.” Police agencies are steeped in racist history and injustice including Columbus. The data is solid on this. The new CDP leadership will be crucial to change this.   Officer stability and wellness are critical to citizen and officer safety. Suicide figures tell the story of how well we are doing on officer wellness. http://www.wtol.com/2019/01/10/suicide-leading-cause-death-among-police-officers/.   JUNE 25, 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Event: Chief and Me-Community Engagement Forum. Location: The Columbus Urban League, 788 Mt. Vernon Avenue.https://www.columbus.gov/Templates/Detail.aspx?id=2147510234&dt=6/25/2019.

JUNE 27, 6:00 – 7:30 PM.  Event: Chief and Me-Community Engagement Forum. Location: St. Stephen's Community House, 1500 East 17th Avenue. https://www.columbus.gov/Templates/Detail.aspx?id=2147510335&dt=6/27/2019.