RES 16-070 FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORKGROUP TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES ON OFFICER WORN BODY CAMERAS

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CITY OF ST. ANTHONY VILLAGE STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION 16 -070 A RESOLUTION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORKGROUP TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES ON OFFICER WORN BODY CAMERAS WHEREAS, the protests resulting from recent high - profile shootings of African American men in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Falcon Heights, Minnesota highlight the distrust that exists across racial and ethnic lines; and WHEREAS, the murders of five Dallas, Texas police officers assigned to keep safe and protect peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors in the City's downtown area demonstrate the very real dangers faced by officers because they are officers; and WHEREAS, communities, such as St. Anthony, Falcon Heights and Lauderdale, must recognize the need to critically balance the enforcement of law with effective, fair and transparent police services; and WHEREAS, despite a Constitution that considers all people equal, profound disparities exist for African Americans and other people of color across the United States, including, Minnesota; and WHEREAS, the City of St. Anthony has identified racial equity as a strategic priority with the standard expectation being fair and equitable service delivery to all people who live, work, or visit St. Anthony; and WHEREAS, it is recognized that of all the services provided by the City, police services by their very nature, have the greatest potential to result in controversy and grow distrust; and WHEREAS, the City of St. Anthony values and honors the critical role of our police officers in enhancing the safety and quality of life for the community; and WHEREAS, it is widely recognized that communities receive the kind of policing they demand and as the policymakers representing the whole of St. Anthony, we endeavor to provide the most effective, fair, and transparent police services possible. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that to foster effective, fair, and transparent police servicers, the City of St. Anthony along with the cities of Falcon Heights and Lauderdale shall establish a Workgroup made up of diverse cadre of St. Anthony, Falcon Heights and Lauderdale residents to make recommendations for Police Department policies on officer worn body cameras, and further directs that: • The City Manager solicit letters of interest from St. Anthony residents willing and able to serve as a member of the Workgroup, as soon as practicable;