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[DRAFT] Policing Reform Collaborative Mission and Working Groups Through community engagement, public comment and dialogue, consultation with stakeholders and a review of evidence-based strategies, the City of Albany’s Policing Reform Collaborative will develop recommendations to address racial bias and disproportionate policing in communities of color1, increase accountability and transparency and improve the delivery of public safety in the Albany Police Department. The Collaborative includes a diverse group of individuals representing community, law enforcement, government agencies and service providers. Although it may not be possible to achieve unanimity on every issue, we will strive for consensus and commit to facilitate productive civic engagement in order to accomplish our mission. To enable our work, we have created working groups to address specific policy areas. Each of these groups will hold public meetings, collect community input and consult with stakeholders. At their discretionIn accordance with NYS Executive Order 203, they will also review evidence- based policing strategies, studies, best practices and/or the work of outside experts to guide their policy recommendations. Each working group will provide a written report that includes recommendations, implementation timelines and other proposals that the working group deems appropriate. These reports will be submitted to the full Collaborative for review no later than [January 31]. Policies and Standard Operating Procedures This working group will review current APD policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including, but not limited to, use of force, tear gas deployment, use of body cameras, disciplinary procedures, community policing and union rules. They will create recommendations regarding changes, additions and/or the elimination of APD polices, SOPs and rules. Civilian Oversight This working group will review existing by-laws and ordinances, and make recommendations regarding, the City’s Community Police Review Board and, the Albany Community Policing Advisory Committee. They will also review APD’s , and the collection and dissemination of police data, including demographic information, disciplinary action, the cost of civil litigation and settlements associated with alleged police misconduct, the appointment of special prosecutors and other areas impacting policing transparency and accountability to the community2. 1 “address racial bias and disproportionate policing in communities of color” is taken directly from NYS Executive Order 203. 2 See Part 1, Section III of the Governor’s EO 203 Guidance (“Data, Technology and Transparency”). ---PAGE BREAK--- Police Department Footprint This working group will review calls for service, officer initiated actions and crime and demographic data as well as data related to truancy, homelessness, mental illness (including PTSD), school interactions and suspensions, child abuse and neglect, addiction, poverty and domestic violence and make policy recommendations regarding the scope of services provided by APD. This group may will also make broader recommendations regarding alternative first- responder models, responses to noise complaints and other agencies and service providers that could impact the footprint of the APD3. Crime Reduction and Restorative Justice The Albany Police Department was an early adopter of harm reduction strategies like Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, as a way to get people the services they need and reduce recidivism. This working group will review LEAD, Group Violence Intervention, Cure Violence and harm reduction strategies, restorative and procedural justice models, problem-oriented policing, hot spot policing, crime prevention through environmental design other opportunities for positive interactions between police officers and community members and additional evidenced-based strategies, and make recommendations for the Albany Police Department4. Recruitment, Training and Officer Development This working group will review current recruitment efforts, civil service rules, training academy curriculum, civilian training academy curriculum and ongoing professional development training. They may consider whether added flexibility in recruitment, shifts and/or assignments will increase the diversity of the Department. They will make recommendations for changes necessary to ensure that the Albany Police Department hires, trains and evaluates officers in a way that builds trust and strong police – community relations. They will also look at issues of officer wellness and well-being5. 3 See Part 1, Section I of the Governor’s EO 203 Guidance (“What Functions Should Police Perform”). 4 See Part 1, Section II of the Governor’s EO 203 Guidance (“Law Enforcement Strategies to Reduce Racial Disparities and Build Trust”) 5 See Part 1, Section IV of the Governor’s EO 203 Guidance (“Support Officer Wellness and Well-being”).