TITLE: Title
Follow up on Community Forum on Policing in Carrboro
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to provide an update on the community forum and the next steps planned.
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DEPARTMENT: Police Department
CONTACT INFORMATION: Chief Walter Horton, 919-918-7397
INFORMATION: On October 6, 2014, a Community Forum on Policing in Carrboro was held and provided an opportunity for positive dialogue and exchange of information between citizens of Carrboro and members of the Carrboro Police Department. Numerous questions and topics were raised, however a few recurring themes were recognized by the police department, the Town Manager's Office, and the forum mediator, Andy Sachs. They are listed below including steps for an Action Plan.
1) Racial Equity Training of Police Personnel
Carrboro Police Department administrators are attending the Racial Equity Workshop sponsored by Organizing Against Racism (OAR) on December 1-2 2014. The police department is also researching other trainings including the Fair and Impartial Policing program suggested by Public Defender James Williams (see Attachment A). Since there is substantial costs for this particular training, CPD has started discussions with other local police departments to share costs and broaden the availability to all police officers.
2) Racial Profiling and Bias in the Police Department
In addition to racial equity training, the police department is looking at what data is collected by CPD and how it is entered in to their Records Management System (RMS) to address the issue of racial profiling and bias. By recording with more detail, the police department can compile more accurate statistical data that can identify if profiling within the police department exists and allow us to alter policing methods to prevent this practice. The police department also plans to meet with the Public Defender's office to discuss and learn more about the data referenced during the forum and using it to help impr...
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