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Amendment to eliminate MPD's PIO passed 12-0. Full vote Friday. Points from council members, and my own from 27yrs. of dealing with police PIOs. Thread.
CM Schroeder’s main issue is press release after killing of George Floyd as a ‘medical incident,’ destroyed trust. CM Ellison asks how often is the pubic getting bad information?
But this measure doesn’t address that. Bad info from the field passed to a PIO will still happen with City’s Comm Dept. Maybe more so w/ officers who won’t trust them.
And full disclosure, I've had tense convos and angry disagreements, w/ every MPD PIO in last 27 yrs. But always thought they were people of integrity.
Full disclosure: I’ve had several issues with City Communication Dept slow walking info, not responding in timely fashion, and twice allowing the media to be kicked out of public meetings.
CM Fletcher & Pres. Bender say they’ve been frustrated, unprepared, w/ MPD releasing crime stats and other info. Fletcher has told me he thinks MPD’s info about crime creates perception downtown is dangerous.
Council is attempting to control messaging out of MPD. The Q is do they want to replace alleged MPD spin with their own? I’m told the City’s communication staff doesn’t want this gig, they would have to respond 24-7, although Fletcher wonders if that’s necessary.
