Record #: R2015-976   
Type: Resolution Status: Failed to Pass
Intro date: 12/9/2015 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Joint Committee: Human Relations; Public Safety
Final action:
Title: Call for hearing(s) and engagement with communities and leaders on police task force accountability
Sponsors: Waguespack, Scott, Hairston, Leslie A., Sawyer, Roderick T., Munoz, Ricardo, Santiago, Milagros, Taliaferro, Chris, Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos, Foulkes, Toni, Moore, David H., Sadlowski Garza, Susan, Arena, John
Topic: COMMITTEE/PUBLIC HEARINGS - Joint Committee - Human Relations and Public Safety
Attachments: 1. R2015-976.pdf
Related files: R2019-362

Committee on Public Safety December 9,2015 City Council Meeting

 

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, on December 1st, 2015 Mayor Emanuel announced the creation of a "Task Force on Police Accountability" consisting of five members directly appointed by the Mayor; and

 

WHEREAS, said Task Force was created in response to the volume and severity of complaints regarding excessive force and abuse of power by the Chicago Police Department, notably the subsequently uncharged shooting death of LaQuan McDonald at the hands of Jason VanDyke while on duty as a Chicago Police Officer; and

 

WHEREAS, the goals ofthe Task Force include "improving independent oversight... [examining the best ways to ensure officers with repeated complaints are identified and evaluated appropriately, [and]...Recommending best practices for release of videos of police-involved incidents."; and

 

WHEREAS, such directives give the Task Force broad power to recommend policy changes to the City Council, a body elected to serve the people of Chicago; and

 

WHEREAS, such directives give the Task Force cause to evaluate police oversight broadly, which would include not only the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) but also the Chicago Police Board, the Bureau of Internal Affairs and presumably any other governmental entities with knowledge regarding alleged misconduct; and

 

WHEREAS, the Task Force, in its capacity, should adequately represent the interests ofthe residents of Chicago and should make every effort to ensure that the methods of investigation and the fact-finding process is transparent and impartial;

 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and the members of City Council call for hearings before the Committee on Public Safety to engage the community and its leaders, the families and survivors of the victims, law enforcement, youth, religious and elected leaders to ensure that the task force itself, as well as its investigative practices and the recommendations that follow meaningfully represent the values of the people of the City of Chicago and address their needs.

Scott Waguespack 32nd Ward