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Commission schedules three community meetings to evaluate less-lethal options; commissioners ask for cost and outreach details
Summary
The commission and department announced three community meetings to gather public input on electronic control and other less-lethal options, with commissioners asking for cost breakdowns (including expendables and training) and targeted outreach to communities such as LGBT and mental health stakeholders.
Commissioners and department staff outlined plans for three community meetings on less-lethal weapons and related policy. Commander (unnamed) told the commission that meetings will be held on Oct. 22 at Hamilton Recreation Center (1900 Gary Boulevard), Oct. 23 at the Scottish Rite Cultural Center (2850 Nineteenth Avenue) and Oct. 30 at a location listed in the schedule.
The department will post meeting notices and a draft working policy for electronic control weapons (ECWs) on the police commission page of the department website and will publish a list of identified less-lethal options under evaluation. Commander said station captains will notify their districts through newsletters and other outreach channels.
Commissioner Chan described a meeting format intended to avoid a combative, formal hearing: a 30-minute department presentation of research followed by open discussion, rotating commissioner moderators across the three meetings, and ground rules to ensure balanced participation. Chan said the commission wants targeted outreach to groups including LGBT communities and organizations involved in crisis intervention training (CIT).
Commissioner De Jesus asked for detailed procurement and lifecycle costs, asking specifically for the cost of expendable projectiles, reloads, training costs and the number of officers to be equipped so the commission can estimate total program expense. A public commenter advised the commission to refer to the devices by the familiar term "TASER" when advertising meetings and to expand outreach beyond website postings.
