minps 08-17-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lisa Shaffer-Gill of 1372 Edwards Ave. noted issues with the speed of traffic since the opening of the truck park and requested a speed sign on the street.Acting Chief Wilkins stated that police will place a sign there within 3 to 4 days. John Carlson of 1370 Edwards Ave. stated that residents don't call the police for parking matters and detailed the problems he's had parking just within the last year. He attributed some of the problems to employees of the truck park parking on the street.Acting Chief Wilkins encouraged Mr. Carlson to contact the police's non-emergency number. Councilmember Bullock gave a past example of library staff parking in another area to accommodate neighbors. Chairperson Neff stated her intention to propose a parking/speed related project for the Edwards Ave. area in the upcoming Council budget priority process. Communication from Councilmembers Kepple, Rader, &Bullock regarding policing policy review&racial equity. (Referred to PS 6/15/20) Chairperson Neff acknowledged and commended the Lakewood Police Department and the Westshore Enforcement Bureau on the job they did dealing with the tragedy of a Lakewood resident being killed. In addressing #7 of the Eight Can't Wait Strategies,Acting Chief Wilkins noted that the use of force continuum is a little outdated and could limit an officer's ability to protect citizens or themselves. Investigator Fiorelli gave some of the history behind the use of force continuum and explained its shortcomings. He emphasized that LPD trains its officers to examine human behavior and be thinkers. Mr. Fiorelli added that LPD strives to train officers on established law and that the city's police are trained more than 98% of police in the state. He noted the tragic George Floyd incident in Minneapolis and stated that officers could find themselves in a position where they are on someone's back and that there is a very short window of time where that is acceptable. Officers are put in that position during training to understand the situation and address it properly. Councilmember Bullock outlined what success looks like to the department, stating that it includes training and having the tools they need to do their job. Mr. Morelli noted that the department is up to speed on training,which focuses on using the least intrusive mention of intervention. He noted that the department has been de-escalating situations for a long time. Councilmember Bullock stated that Lakewood residents saw a national problem with policing and wanted to make sure they are a part of the solution in their own community. He highlighted that the use of force data is very low and that the most significant use of force in the last five years was investigated by the administration and disciplinary action was taken.