Councilmembers Edward Pollard, Tiffany Thomas, Jerry Davis, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, and Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex Tatum wrote the letter after getting comments from a recent Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee meeting. They say they're convinced there needs to be a complete overhaul of the Independent Police Oversight Board.
"We are not anti-police, we are anti-police brutality, and this letter was to give our suggestions and keep the conversation moving so that we can all say we live in a city that is fair and equitable," said Tatum.
The letter had 25 bullet points of suggestions. Some of the suggestions include HPD officers not interfering with people using their cell phones and can only prevent cell phone use when an arrest is necessary. They also suggest instituting a policy for procedures and guidelines for the release and access of dash cam and officer worn camera footage.
"These are actions that can be done now. None of us have been in support of the defund movement, but we also recognize policy changes are needed," Pollard said.
Turner's office told ABC 13: "The mayor welcomes input from city council members and thanks them for their thoughtful letter. He expects other council members to weigh in. Mayor Turner said this morning that he plans to forward the letter to his task force on policing reform for review and consideration."
View the content of the letter in the images above.
This article was originally published by Community Impact Newspaper media partner ABC13.
