Police commission schedules training for Oct. 23, plans neighborhood outreach

The Police Commission approved the minutes from its July 9 meeting, set a training date for Oct. 23 and agreed to begin visits to neighborhood councils to hear questions and concerns.

Commissioners said the commission had been offered training on either Oct. 9 or Oct. 23 and chose the latter to avoid back-to-back meetings following the regular Oct. 8 session. Commissioners said training sessions typically run from about 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and may be held at locations including the commission’s usual meeting room or an East Street site. A training session previously scheduled for the 16th was canceled, commissioners said.

Members discussed potential training topics including recent changes to MP (mass police) training levels and practical decision categories the commission uses such as “sustained” and “not sustained.” Commissioners said a short refresher on how to apply those findings would be useful and could be incorporated into the upcoming training.

Commissioners also discussed outreach to neighborhood councils and civic associations. The commission distributed a list of neighborhood groups and asked members to identify meetings they would like to attend; staff member Lynn was asked to contact groups and schedule visits. Commissioners agreed visits could be carried out by one or two members rather than requiring full attendance.

The commission closed regular business with the approval of the July 9 minutes and a formal vote to adjourn at about 4:45 p.m. The roll call on adjournment recorded “yes” votes from Commissioner Fernandez, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Bennett, Commissioner Harris and Commissioner Kennedy.