Lancaster officials face community backlash over police transparency and use of force data

The City Council meeting held on April 8, 2025, in Lancaster, PA, focused heavily on issues of police transparency and community safety, particularly in light of recent incidents involving minors and police use of force. The meeting began with a statement from John Minder, founder of the Black Voter Outreach Network of Pennsylvania, who expressed deep concerns regarding the Lancaster City Police Department's recent changes to its use of force reporting. Minder criticized the removal of demographic data from the police dashboard, which previously provided essential insights into the racial and age breakdown of use of force incidents. He highlighted that the number of reported incidents had dropped significantly without explanation, raising questions about the accuracy and reliability of the data presented to the public.

Following Minder's remarks, several community members voiced their frustrations regarding police conduct, particularly in relation to minors. Brian Nelson emphasized that community engagement should be led by city officials rather than the police department, advocating for a more inclusive approach to public safety. He referenced successful models from other cities, such as Pittsburgh, where citizen review boards have been established to investigate police conduct.

Duncan Hopkins further criticized the portrayal of minors involved in police incidents as violent, arguing that such characterizations were inappropriate and detracted from the need for appropriate police responses. He called for accountability and transparency regarding police discipline, particularly concerning officers with histories of misconduct.

Tony D'Astra introduced a draft ordinance aimed at establishing a community police review board, which would serve in an advisory capacity to enhance public safety and trust. He urged council members to consider this proposal seriously, framing it as an opportunity for meaningful community participation in shaping policing policies.

The meeting concluded with a call for action from various community members, who expressed a desire for the council and police chief to listen to their concerns and work collaboratively towards solutions. The overarching theme of the evening was a demand for greater transparency, accountability, and community involvement in policing practices, reflecting a growing urgency for reform in the wake of recent events. The council is expected to address these issues in future meetings, with community members eager for concrete responses and actions.