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Residents demand independent review, civilian oversight after March police use-of-force; council pledges follow-up
Summary
Multiple public commenters pressed Lancaster City officials for an independent review, public release of force records and creation of a civilian review board after a March use-of-force incident involving minors. Council members and the mayor acknowledged limits on local authority but agreed to return with more information and a report in April.
Dozens of Lancaster residents urged city officials on March 25 to pursue independent oversight and transparency after a March 2 police use-of-force incident involving minors, saying the department's initial response and a subsequent press conference undermined trust.
Community speakers demanded an independent review, public access to past and present use-of-force records, and establishment of a civilian review board with real authority. "The department can't police itself," one speaker said, urging an outside review of the March 2 incident and of "all past and future use of force reports." Another warned, "We will not stop until justice is served."
The calls came during the council's public-comment periods. Jontell Tolan, who identified…
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