Item 24: Direct the City Manager to analyze and address disparate racial outcomes in policing and implement policy and practice reforms.
This item has been heavily revised since it was first introduced. Please see the following link for the current proposal:
https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/2017/11_Nov/Documents/2017-11-14_Item_24_Refer_to_the_Berkeley_Police_Department_-_Rev.aspx
Evaluation: These proposals are positive, if somewhat vague. They introduce concepts that will become much more developed and actionable with the forthcoming release of the PRC’s Fair and Impartial Policing report, due November 15 (see section II below).
Item 25: Referral to Police Review Commission to Write a Charter Amendment Ballot Measure
Evaluation: There are competing versions of this measure. It is unclear what if anything will happen on this reform item. Two critical things to keep in mind:
1. A charter amendment, through the ballot box, is an absolute requirement to achieve real police accountability. Any move other than changing the city charter will be considered illegal where it conflicts with the charter.
2. Whether or not the council refers this issue to the PRC, a charter amendment will be written, and will be on the November 2018 ballot. Council’s support would be welcome but the people will make this happen!