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Staff Report: Implementing the Reimagining Community Safety Task Force Recommendations.
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Staff:
Department:
Shenekia Weeks, DEI Officer
Manager's Office
Celisa Lehew, Chief of Police
Police
PURPOSE:
That Council receive information regarding implementing recommendations of the Reimagining Community Safety (RICS) Task Force.
OVERVIEW
On September 9, 2020, Council established the RICS Task Force1 with a mission to bring forth concrete, actionable recommendations to increase community safety, eliminate structural inequities in Town community safety systems, and enable all in the community to thrive. On June 23, 2021, the Task Force presented2 28 recommendations and 31 action items to Council organized into three broad categories of prevention, crisis, and post-crisis.
PROGRESS TO DATE
Since the last update in February 20233, several key recommendations of the Task Force have been implemented, as described below.
Community Initiatives:
? The Affordable Housing and Community Connections team has finalized the Chapel Hill Affordable Housing Plan & Investment Strategy Draft4 and presented to Council on 9/13/23. This plan includes a focus on expanding the Town's Master Leasing program, a recommendation from the Task Force.
? The Affordable Housing and Community Connections and Parks and Recreation teams are assessing local youth employment opportunities to expand access to current programs.
? Staff is drafting a Significant Community Events plan to prepare a communication response in the event of explosive issues, including reviewing the Town's Policy Team and updating Emergency Management Plan.
? The DEI Office partnered with the Hannah Ruth Foundation to provide Restorative Justice training to staff and community partners.
Policing Initiatives:
? Published semi-annual reports in March and September 20235, in consult with outside experts on the data. Reports are reviewed by Community Police Advisory Committee (CPAC).
? The Police Department p...
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