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I've been watching the videos from the last two @cityofokc Law Enforcement Task Force meetings and here's a recap thread (with video clips). They have chosen a consultant to study the six items in Councilperson James Cooper’s resolution (photo credit: @readfrontier), (1/7)
the OKCPD de-escalation policy and community accountability/oversight (8 total items). Their consultant recommendation goes before City Council on Tuesday and who they've chosen is really important. Here's City Manager Craig Freeman: (2/7)
The real issue: whatever the task force proposes needs real buy-in from Law Enforcement, namely Chief Gourley and the Fraternal Order of Police. The Tl;dr version is that even if this Task Force suggested changes to City Council, FOP could still challenge in arbitration. (3/7)
This clip from FOP President John George in an exchange with Sarah Adams-Cornell highlights the divergent viewpoints and the challenge it's going to be to get that buy-in. (4/7)
Who they choose as a consultant matters because they have to convince @OKCPD on changing. The RFP group (made up of volunteers) reviewed 4 proposals, narrowed to 2. They made a recommendation of 21CP, but their vote was divided 7-5. The sticking point: community engagement. (5/7)
Their proposed solution: an Advisory Group to make sure 21CP is hearing from communities who are often left out of Law Enforcement conversations. Here's citizens Joanne Davis and Dr. Valerie Thompson, both of whom voted for the other proposal: (6/7)
My questions as a citizen: Will Council approve this proposal WITH advisory board? What are we to make of a 7-5 vote when so many strong voices voted for the other proposal? Will City Manager Craig Freeman adjust task force scope/agenda to be less city-led? (crucial video) (7/7)
