New Castle County Police Accountability Board reviews community input and policing policies

The New Castle County Police Accountability Board (PAB) provided a comprehensive update during the recent Public Safety Committee meeting, highlighting both achievements and ongoing challenges in enhancing police-community relations. Chair Kim Eppieheimer emphasized the board's commitment to transparency and community engagement, as mandated by ordinance number 23 148, which aims to improve policing policies and practices through community input.

Since its formation, the PAB has met regularly, except for a missed meeting in January due to administrative transitions. The board has engaged in community meetings to gather resident concerns, reviewed critical policies such as use of force and de-escalation training, and initiated subcommittees focused on outreach and education. However, the development of a citizen feedback form has faced delays due to concerns about privacy and compliance with public records laws.

Eppieheimer noted that building trust between law enforcement and the community remains a significant challenge. The board is working to ensure that its meetings are accessible and that community members can provide feedback in various ways, not just during public meetings. The PAB is also striving to enhance its training programs in collaboration with the New Castle County Police, including ride-alongs and community rights training sessions.

Looking ahead, the board aims to expand public forums for community input and finalize the citizen feedback form to facilitate more structured communication. Eppieheimer expressed the need for clear guidance on the ordinance to navigate the complexities of their role effectively. The board's ultimate goal is to foster fair and effective policing that reflects the community's needs and concerns.

Council members expressed their support for the board's efforts and offered suggestions to improve community engagement, including the idea of secure feedback boxes at local libraries. The PAB's ongoing work is crucial for strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the residents of New Castle County, ensuring that public safety initiatives are informed by community voices.