>> Good morning. It’s January 30th and it is happy birthday to Evan Glass Day. It is. It not a problem, Asian for that. But I hereby proclaim proclaimed it. it is great to be here for a council session. We have to really exciting
Proclamations here today. We’re going to start with a proclamation recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Day here at the county Council by Councilmember sales. Our guys and you want So let me turn it over to them for a presentation and welcome up. the deltas yet.
>> it. >> All of you. Come on Come Okay. don’t Turn over to OK, OK? You see your grades. There’s no perfect. >> Yeah. >> All right. Well, good morning. Good bless the people. It is such a privilege
And honor to be with all of you today as we celebrate the second annual Dell today here in Montgomery County, the Delta Sigma Theta authorities already has been a pillar in our community since 1913, and they have an extraordinarily successful chapter here in
Montgomery County who has been doing tremendous work to build bridges, to build trust and to help ensure that we enhanced public health help improve our affordable housing situation here in the county and make sure that we are connecting to every single county residents.
The extraordinary programs that they lead every year are educating our community on vital issues that are truly saving lives. I am privileged and honored to be joined by 2 colleagues. This moning for board members of the Divine 9. And first we will hear from
Councilmember Laurie and sales who is a proud member of this extraordinary sortie councilmember sales. >> Thank you. Councilmember our nose and good morning, everyone. And thank you so much for being here. Thank you to all my source for joining
Us for the second annual of Delta Sigma Theta sorority incorporated day here in Montgomery County, where we hear about the priorities and issues that are important to them. And we had an opportunity earlier this morning to share all of the
Work that we’ve been doing on the council. And so we are excited to present this proclamation to honor and recognize the work that they do. So as councilmember algunos mentioned, I am a very proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority
Incorporated. And I wanted to acknowledge all of the work, all of the initiatives that Delta Sigma Theta sorority has led one to help us paved the way for today, we became the first sorority to provide >> program of employment, counseling and career
Development for black woman. Our for what Forest program promoted educational and economic development, political involvement, international awareness and physical and mental health in our recent programs have included a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. 1990, to build homes in the United
States and in Africa. A 2003 Delta Homeownership Initiative program, encourage home buying among African Americans here as well. And the Montgomery County and Potomac Valley chapters in particular, maintain frequent presence is presence in our communities, always supporting our county’s most important initiatives
From our young people with the Delta Gems program and also are growing population. They have an extensive array of public service initiatives through its 5 point. The rest of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health and political
Awareness and involvement. They also recognize service oriented events like our annual World AIDS Day event. And the annual MLK Day of service finally, I want to commend the Montgomery County chapter for organizing an expungement clinic in October with the J Franklin Born Bar
Association focused on assisting individuals who are eligible for expungement for misdemeanors and past marijuana. Nonviolent criminal possession offenses. In December, I led an effort to call him. Governor was more to pardon all incarcerated individuals convicted for non violent possession of cannabis
Offenses. I was so glad that my county executive colleagues also joined us in that effort. We will continue to support individuals and giving them a fresh start. As we reap the financial and medicinal benefits of this once criminalize medication that disproportionately decimated
Communities of color. To mice or roars of Delta Sigma Theta sorority incorporated. I say thank you. Thank you for always having my back together. We have brought divine I leadership to the council and all the communities service values
That come with it. And I look forward to celebrating many more Delta days here in Montgomery County. Thank you. Before I introduce cast members want, I just want to acknowledge an important member of my team is Pam Luckett who is member of this
Extraordinary swerving help coordinate this morning’s activities. Thank you so much, Dan, for your leadership in every way. >> And with that, my colleague and friend council members so you see how tight the sisterhood It’s tight. Very lucky, right? Exactly. And you
Were the right color today as well. will on. Do not member. I’m a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc or parade. >> Which is the first of our 9 organization for those who don’t know what to buy 9 is it
Is the night a stark Lee black fraternities and sororities that were founded to support black students on college campuses. Initially many of them started to study groups. That was our and and to support each other in a time when thyoung Yukon
President of the outcry in the Macon Woman’s Foundation of Greater Washington. I’m used to young, you know, Hakeem president of the Montgomery County Korean American Association. And the priest, not director of Asian Pacific Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.
Transit Doctor has a toy president of a Korean American Association of State of Maryland. And and then I leave with a beautiful Korean dress. Is the commissioner of the Commerce Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. is, you know, president of may
Senior Citizens Association of a U.S. State of Maryland. And news Young Kwan. it Acree in a hit. boy and next to me ahead. And one president of Korean now And next. To present you, Doctor Young. She’s DIA executive director of the
Korean so the center. >> And next raise the minister to down. >> President of young Association. And that, I’m going to use our counsel general toll from the Korean Embassy who has the extend. She’s appreciation for? you do at the county Council and
County executive’s office. Thank you. Thank Thank you. That’s I’m very happy to be here view menu this morning here. >> Deputy, we don’t have snow today. So mister president of the cars. So and I’m used to. Mister County executive and
Out of our members on the council. Today marks another monument day for all Korean-American. All may cause a special day, but those are Montgomery to call comes in accounting. I mean. One of the attorney, what he has to go on
One of 2 Koreas to mandate on the show or highlighted with the pair had today. They have for each Gene Q A coming over 2.6 million people and they have become an integral part of American society. The reach a coach or an tradition they
Promote about contrary convey to to culture. And I’ve missed you a call and pay the season. If you can trawl in this transition, all comprehensive strategic online speech and the Republic of Korea and the United States. So the proclomation all over Korean-American Day.
Montgomery County calls are today almost is a history of cooperation between our 2 nations. And I’m confident of that it or stop momentum others. Transom. This time for many, many years to come. I will try to extend my heartfelt gratitude all of you
And then we shoot you. And the Montgomery County here for you to weigh the nothing but thank you very much. And, you know, counties if the cause of Oral b U, want to calm to Korea anytime you wish Thank you
Very much. You have. Now we’re going to the proclamation. Whereas on January 13th 19 to 3, the first 100 to create immigrants arrived in that Lion Islands after a long journey. >> Across the Pacific Ocean marking the first century of
Korean immigrants to the United States territories and whereas the first Korean immigrants United States worked tirelessly to establish themselves. >> Their descendants group to become citizens, many of whom went on to serve in the armed forces. The United States.
I’ve served in all major military conflict since World War One and >> whereas Korean American sub made vast contributions the United States, including mention of the for his beating heart operation for coronary artery of heart disease. The development of the nectarine.
Very nice for it. Having a 2 time Olympic gold medalist and words you couldn’t the fields of science, technology finance law, medicine, education, sports, media, Arts, military government and virtually all aspects of American life. And >> whereas through hard work,
Talent and resources, Korean Americans have helped to make Montgomery County one of the nation’s most diverse and outstanding places to live work, educate children and raise a family and whereas Montgomery County, the state of Maryland in the Inter United States richer for the
Contributions of the Korean American community. >> Now, therefore, be it resolved that the county executive Marc Elrich Council president and you’re free. It’s in. And the entire county council, Montgomery County, Maryland, hereby proclaim January 13th as Korean American Day. Montgomery County.
>> And encourage our residents to join us in recognizing and celebrating the tremendous contributions of the Korean American community signed today on this 30th Day of January, the year 2024 by the county executive, Marc Elrich mice off and you’re freezing
Council president long with Evan Glass and all members of the county Council. Congratulations and Happy Korean American Day. >> OK, thank you very much to our guests for honoring us with the ability to honor you and to celebrate Credible
Strength and diversity in our community. I want to acknowledge Shannon who’s here, someone we all know very well. Who does a great job as liaison to our Asian American Pacific Islander community in the Office of Community Partnerships, thank you to the
County executive to Councilmember Glass joining me. And that recognition. We are now ready to move on to general business today. There are no announcements today. The minutes from the January 16th Council meeting circulated colleagues. Are there any objections to approving these minutes?
Seeing none these minutes stand approve. We’re going to move into item number one on our agenda. The council is please to welcome several residents to interview to serve on the advisory Commission on Policing. The commission’s mission is to advise the Council on Policing
Matters and to recommend policies programs, legislation. regulations with regards to policing. Each council member may nominate an individual to serve on this 11 member commission. There will be a total of 3 panels of interviews today to this morning and one this
Afternoon. Before we move on to our first, I just want to acknowledge the chief of police has announced today that he will be retiring after a 38 year career in a Montgomery County police and public safety. I just wanted to express my appreciation on
Behalf of the entire council for his almost 4 decades of service to our community to thank his family for the a commitment and sacrifice that they have provided for us as well. I will have many opportunities to to wish him
Well and to express our appreciation for his service and to extend our best wishes for his retirement. But I wanted to take this opportunity since it’s late. Breaking news to acknowledge and appreciate that. Our first as we move of candidates or
Christie Dafnis Michael Donahue, Shawn Watson and Open to Mola Williams. if you can come up to the table. We appreciate you being here. As you come up to the table, I’m going to ask a series of questions for for each with
Each of you taking turns who answers. First, my colleagues answer or ask additional question. Sure they have them. colleagues, just a request to get in the queue. If you have questions at the appropriate time and now that everybody is up at the table, welcome.
Thank you for your interest in serving our community. Thank you for for all of your your efforts. The first question is please describe why you want to serve on the commission given your background and experience what makes you qualify for position and we’ll
Start with you, miss staff miss. And then we’ll just go down the line. >> Good morning, everyone. Thank you for having me. Here to interview today, I would like to serve on the advisory Cause Commission for placing because feel very strongly we
Need to have a safe community and in order to do that, I feel that we need to and sure that we have a well functioning police departments that is working with the community and partnering with other government agencies to to create those sorts of
Community conditions that provide safety and provide community development and get people that they need to really thrive within Montgomery County. I feel that I’m very qualified to serve on this committee. First, I live in a neighborhood that has a
Very police They do a great job. We can always do better in every aspect of our county services. and I feel like I provide that community perspective. I also have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree
In public health. And one of the reasons I went to public health school, it’s because I feel like part of the root of crime in our society. It’s really providing people with what they need in terms of social services, not a
Community development. So I feel like I can bring that perspective, which is a little bit more holistic, but is still balancing some of some of the duties other responsibilities that are put on all of our government agencies. Thank you.
>> just continue Thank you, sir. Good morning. My name is Michael Donahue. live in Montgomery County since 1978. began my county actually serving Montgomery County’s a firefighter and EMT. I think she went on to work as a police officer with the city
Of Rockville. And then eventually I several years ago to the Montgomery County Police Department as a professional staff employee working out of its planning and policy division. I served 20 years approximate the federal during that time work for the U.S. Department of
Justice. The United States Department, Homeland Security and I spent a few years and the inspector general’s community, where is both as an investigator, an assistant inspector general for investigations overseeing investigation involving waste fraud abuse and misconduct 30 years. I was an adjunct
Professor, Montgomery College, Rockville. I was a professor in the fire Science Emergency Services program. I developed taught courses and fire arson investigation to members of the fire service and law enforcement community throughout Montgomery County. Also throughout the state of
Maryland, when I eventually turned to the Montgomery County Police Department, I served as a number of the use of Force Review Committee. I use Force Policy committee responsible for drafting the use of force policies that’s currently in effect for Montgomery County out of
Service. A member of the Perry County Police Department’s body-worn camera work group which was put together in 2016 to develop the first policy on body-worn cameras for the county and also the training program that was launched officers and executives. As
Part of that, I also. During that time was responsible for conducting were close estimates for for the department to identify resource optimization a staffing recommendations. And as you know, the county, as I think you have served as and I
That’s on the ground, a great deal change and growth over the as well as the demand for public safety services. And more importantly, I think the expectations of the community as to what they actually expect from the police department. Some hoping that
That what I think is a unique perspective. Background for my 40 plus years of experience hopefully can lend itself to helping the commission more partly from the council on this matter to say, come before you. Thank you very much. Mister Ross, if you
Could just play singer Button honestly to make sure everybody my apology communicate Thanks. Good morning. My name is on Shawn Watson. My interest in serving on the advisory commission is rooted part that I moved to Maryland approximately 15
Years ago. I’m from New York City growing up New York City and seeing dichotomy between. Police and its It kind of drove me into my profession, which I recently retired from this past August have to 27 years as a federal probation
Officer. So I got to work on Kiahnna both sides of it from a law enforcement aspect. His work as well as helping individuals who were presently under supervision of federal courts. So my hopes is to. Kind of bridge the gap between
Those individuals who were under supervision, as well as those who are charged with Kerry. the law here in our country specifically Montgomery County and that I I just want to be able to bring an authentic because I have my professional experience, which
Kind affords me the ability to see it from a law enforcement standpoint. But again, growing up in New York and seeing shifts between community policing, which I found to be beneficial to other initiatives. Such is stop and frisk, which we for have was
Not as successful. So just trying to learn from all the stakeholders involved. Citizens, which I now am as well law enforcement personnel and seeing how weak it break down barriers to achieve overall design. call. Greetings, everybody. Thank you for coming here. All of
You as well. Welcome. >> My name of the mola Eric Williams. I grew up in PG County. I moved to Montgomery County. I’ve been here for about 10 years. I decided to raise my daughters here. I love it So. What makes me a
Candidate, the candidate for the ACP. With my experience, I know what’s it like to be a victim of street violence? I’ve been robbed before. I’ve been jumps before my to my business. I I have that direct experience. Traumatizing. Also, I have direct experience
Being a victim of police brutality. My job history experience working. I’ve been an armed security guard. I know what’s it like to work alongside police to protect the community? I’ve had supervisors that. mindset on a vision on how to, you know,
Ways protect the community. I have my own perspective ways to protect the community. I’ve I’ve been door knocking canvassing, I ran for a full city Council of Some of us may know that expenses itself was and lightning on door knocking the various residents knowing
Their perspective, their fans there once they needs and with my experience and my overall perspective, I really want to. Try to bridge this gap community and law enforcement. I want to figure out a way to. Get a community to build the
Trust again because Mcps I’m sitting and CBS, Montgomery County Police don’t have that bad of a reputation. And I was to be proactive and not reactive. I don’t want to get to the point where OK, something happen. I want to I
Want to get to the point where we already have this establishment truss. To prevent stuff from happening. Thank you. Thank Next question, one of the commission’s primary purpose is to provide information to the council on best practices related to policing matters.
>> How do you determine best practices and what are the what are some important policing practices that you like to see us explore Montgomery County. How do you plan to bring to the forefront racial equity and social justice issues related to
Policing practices? We’ll start with you. Mister Donohue. And then Mister Watson, Mister Williams and back to MS Tapp must. Thank you. Thank you. A best practice are those policies, procedures and practices that are determined through data analysis and apparently research.
>> That art adopted by large segments of the law enforcement community. Most of those that arrive from organizations that actually conduct evidence-based research. Those are in our area certainly across the country. Organizations such as the National Association Chiefs of Police, the Police
Executive Research Forum, the National Policing Institute and also the George Mason University Center for evidence-based policing as a result of that body of research, those organizations have also also developed additional follow-up recommendations. Actually practical recommendations for departments to implement. Also
The mayor police training and Standards Commission as a body of model best policies and best practices they publish. Right now they’re cover areas of policing such as community policing body-worn cameras and also use of force. And I think that’s really, in my view, a
Large untapped source of information that could really benefit the police department certainly has informs policy procedures and especially the other thing that I think are important, some of the these topics on mention have been visited by the commission. Before of that. my view,
They’re still there are still issues that are facing most departments across the country today. He’s about things like police use of force, especially de-escalation strategies. They also involve hiring proving every tension, all challenges associated with that these 2, 2 topics are
Also part of the Governor. Morris proposed legislative agenda for 2024 through the gas act. They are recruiting retention all offset health and wellness 2 very important things I think are that the commission to do a lot of good work with community policing
Most apartments in the region and frankly across the country, I think have adopted an approach to community policing. That’s really and medical to the core principles, community policing the whole point behind community policing is to establish a partnership relationship between the
Officers who the resident see on a day-to-day basis or going to be the officer responded to 9-1-1. Call. They’re not community service officers. Now the district commander to not the executives not chief the first person or persons that someone should want to
Have trust relaying information, expecting help would be the patrol officers. I think we need to look at officers centric approach us, which there are many that actually empower officers step provided direct ability for them to involved in problem solving as was originally
Vision when this whole idea of community policing surface 30 plus years ago. Now in terms racial and social up justice related issues. I think again, going back to bodies research that are having done the last several years. There’s gives the council police informant
Race report that was issued last year, which is 2 years worth of effort that look that interviews and research base information and came up with over 15 recommendations that law enforcement agency should should consider help bridge that divide. Help provide more
Focused interventions and assistance to communities. I think one of the important things to consider there is each community might have different needs and expectations. It’s different cultural values, different norms. And I think that it’s not a one size fits all
Solution. So I think looking at and having that communication with key community leaders on to learn exactly what their expectations and needs are and then obviously develop or a program actually satisfies those those needs. The Cato Institute and CNA hasn’t done
Some good work racial equity and racial and social justice. So I think what we would be a good approach for the commission is actually leverage the information from this. The this body research and see what if any of those recommendations can be brought
Forward. That actually as real real programs that could be implemented route the community. Thank you, mistress. Yes, so banking on this I found myself thinking about best practices versus good practices. Sometimes we engage good practices. What works for the moment? The way
I see best practices. Best practices. Excuse me is can they stand the test of time as communities change as environment change. Can these practices sustain the test of time? So that would be my view on best practices. Can we come
Up with solutions that will continue to evolve with communities as those communities change I am as a gentleman, just a eluded to. I’m very big on community policing again. I grew up in New York City when there was a time when it was community
Police I was able to see an who walk the beat. Everyone knew the individual stakeholders in the community knew who this individual was. So he he or she was a kind of Iowa first stop when issues happen in the community as we
Went away from community policing and was no longer there. It was kind of. The trust was gone. Once the trust is gone, the accountability peace is gone. So I believe continuing to focus on community police and building truss building accountability,
I think is a great step. Moving forward in relations between our citizens and constituents. As far as police community is concerned as well. There are numerous policing issues. They’re in the police and challenges and Montgomery County that I feel
Like could be improved. One example being traffic stops, traffic stops is like when it is done. If arguably, I would like to say number interaction with director actions of police and the public. And can be addressed on so many
Levels. And so. I would also would like to look at what our neighbors are doing. Policing other jurisdictions to see if we are really leading when it comes to policing or they’re leading that plan participating in police reform, teach ins, bring
Everybody to the table. So often speak, of course, and I feel like. As was as I don’t know, that’s what I do for a living is canvassing as advocates. I came across a lot of Montgomery County cops and from their perspective, their
Voice. I want to say our police are over pollitt over policed over policy. There’s so many policies on top of policies on top of policies for police and it feels like a police came be cops like they there. like the walking on
Eggshells. And so. My perspective, my voice, I I feel like I can have a different opinion being part of the A C a a a PC. Thank you. >> So the first question, how do you determine best practices? I think some of the
Other candidates uncovered some of this really well first of all, you need data. And if we don’t have good data, we need to get better data. I know that over the past few years are spent some, you know, look the data that we do
Have. And, you know, maybe some adjustments might be needed in terms of developing the right data collection to ensure that that data is really valid. But we have to go to the data and we have to see what’s actually happening.
If we want to change for the better As others not just some of the resources that Mister Donohue mentioned, but also, you grant programs that are being that are run by JP and even the Department of Transportation and the Department of Health and Human
Services at the federal level. There are various centers that don’t just focus on policing itself, but focus on some of the ancillary issues like school safety and gun violence. I mean, I think we need to look at all of these
Sources of research and data. And then and morning of an act of thing. But I think you need to experiment and in order to understand what some of the best practices might be in your own community. So having openness to doing that. When
It comes to equity on top of using the data, I think that we need to really focus on. Workforce policies and culture. And that includes training. We need to make sure that our officers are trained well to be able to react in
Certain situations, not feel like that they’re being, you know. Hampered by policy but having behavioral based training allows them to. React naturally to certain situations that are presented to them in appropriate way. And just like overall culture, it’s having expectation that
It’s not acceptable to behave in certain And its preferred to behave in other ways, some of the things that I on this commission. I really getting a little bit deepen. Explain the rules responsibilities into that partnership. He’s like, what are some of the more
Creative arrangements that we could think about in terms of policing interaction with community. We’ve talked a lot about community policing on this panel, but there is a reality that there are certain situations where you do not need police and where it’s not
Appropriate for police to be engaged. And I think thinking those types of situations in those types environment of the community where we have a clear distinction of where the handoff needs to be and where the partnership needs to be between county and bodies. So
That. People are getting the service that we need, not everyone in the community and it’s best buddies with a patrol officer, right? They need to have a level of trust and they need to have a level of expectation that those
Patrol officers will keep them safe. But they also need to be able to rely on the fact that as the community will will provide for them other ways to 2 get them what they need. I’m last but not least just workforce development. I think
You in order to have equity, you need diversity in your in your workforce. that’s one of the things I do at the federal level. You know, we want make sure that we have workforce. That is representative of our American community. And we
Need to do the same thing when it comes to policing in the county. And that’s really, really hard. It’s a hard thing to do, especially in the area of policing because there are not enough law enforcement officers to go around at any
Level of government. So really focusing in on that. And then the last thing that I’ll say to Councilmember freight sons point the chief of place retiring. I think we’re at a really important moment right now where we can really make
All these things happen. I given the opportunity to serve on this commission, would want to focus on building that relationship with whoever comes in and creating an environment we can share best practices without so level of defensiveness. You know, we
Can talk about what the issues are and where we can really think about what is the active solution for for some of these things moving forward to set the environment and set the set. The expectation state within our community where
Police are able to do their job keeping us all safe. Thank you. Thank you. Our 3rd question, how do you envision community engagement to help the ACP better understand what current? >> Montgomery County Police Department policies and practices are effectively are
Effective and identify policies that warrant further examination. Start with Mister Watson and then continue down the line. My vision community >> do the ACP will? Help all stakeholders in breaking down. Mary is stereotypes one thing I’ve found as federal probation when I would
Initially have my first meeting with a person under supervision was. The role that each one of us played and most times it wasn’t complimentary when they thought about the probation officer I typically take that opportunity to again. And we’ve all use this
Word today established Russ establish Accountability. I’m not only are they accountable, but I’m accountable as well. And I think community engagement have an authentic conversations with people representation that is for the people that you serve and for them to know, I’m also
Accountable just like I think is important and think through education, learning. Each stakeholder, the role that they play, what they bring to the table, how they can help in vote change. I think is important. And I think the diverse representation that
This commission will offer will allow for us to. achieve that goal. I would like to look impacted areas. And partner with nonprofits to conduct outreach to create. >> Or more so address policies that wants and needs of the community. First. I felt I
Felt having direct interactions with the public in community events forms teach INS being in a U.S. in the shared spaces one step of many steps. Being from. Coming from different walks of life. We have people who are, you know, federal employees, state
Employees, law enforcement I feel like that’s diversity right there. We should have people who are who came from literally being homeless and working with homeless people such as myself working with people who who have a lot of economical challenges because
With data from well over port, you know, there is. This is a I want to say. Hi, there is chance. Is that coming from a impact? The community struggle. Communities is where crime? 10, 2 tenths of florish. So. Growing up in
That community, you should have that. That insight on you know, upright approaching it the best way possible because you don’t, you know, messed this up. >> when it comes to community engagement, I strongly believe that you have to meet people
Where they are. I know that many of you also strongly believe that because I’ve seen you hold town halls on various topics and really get out into the I think even going beyond that and making sure that where engaging I’m not just in
In various parts of the county, but also social media and some other ways, you know, within the bounds of the and what’s various I think that we can do a better job of making sure that we’re reaching out to use in our community. I’m a
Very important voice that is often has heard. some of those other marginalized within Montgomery County that might not understand how the council meetings worker might have some language barriers or otherwise. So I would put it very high on my list, too.
Figure community engagement as I did as I’ve done on other committees that I’ve served with in the county. Thank you. Thank you to pick up on that. I think one of things that would be very, very good to to actually revisit
>> and recommit to is the 6 pillars of 21st century policing. That part of the president’s task force on 21st Century Policing issue back in 2015, although those are coming up to be 9 years old. Now, I think there’s still a
Lot of departments fully those colors. There’s a lot of good work that’s been done across the country for ad says that developed their entire community engagement, community policing program, virtually all the department operations around the 6 pillars, which I think is a
Very good blueprint to use going forward, especially given the challenges, put my police planner hat on for just a quick second. I think police planning is probably one of the most under. Value. Underappreciated segments law enforcement in terms of operations. There’s so much
Value. I think planning puts into the process. Virtually everything has been talked about today. And will be talked about going forward it’s not ground some type of plan. It’s very hard to measure this. The success or failure anything. A plan that
Actually has goals, objectives, strategies, measures outcomes attached to it because I out I want to do. What do you manage a program to try mentor program without those those those elements into it? So I think if you look going back all the way
Back to strategic planning, especially on the department’s last TJ planned covered fiscal year, 16 to 20. As far as I know, I like the department for years ago. So as far as I know, there’s no activities associated with with issuing a
New plan. But in terms of community engagement on, if you look to agencies such as Baltimore City Police Department’s emphasis done a very good job with this as well that you develop that very comprehensive community policing plan that covers all
Aspects of every facet of their operation. How those operations specifically relate to increase in community policing, community engagement across diverse communities within those cities. I think we can learn a lot from that and uses as a blueprint to see whether any of those
Approaches, especially Wi-Fi, too, as there’s a lot of good work being done on youth was mentioned that. And I I feel imagine one of the questions. But I think the rise in youth related crime, youth violence, gun violence, right, especially in this region. I
Think a lot of work, good work that can be done. There’s a lot of a partnership for the faith, a faith based organizations youth sports recreation. I think that’s not being leveraged great. Well, I think that will certainly help
In that regard. And I think when you look back at community policing, one of the core principles of something called organizational transformation, I think that really looking at critically looking at valuing the current delivery of how we do community policing, engage
With the county, I think will benefit and hopefully produce something that is actually considered transformational, which I don’t really see is happening at the present time. Thank you. Thank My prepared question. Are there any conflicts of interest that
You’re aware of and you have the time to commit to serving on the commission. >> Start with you. Mister Williams. I have no conflicts of I came from being an armed security guard working alongside law enforcement to stepping into advocacy space.
>> being a community advocate, I’m of many spaces private sector. If one of my space is involved, police reform, that’s not one part of. It is a difference between police reform and police accountability. People wrote that into the same thing is
Not the same You know, we have to lead to education. Education is the only don’t want to keep going. No, I don’t have a conflict of thank you very Staff us. >> I have no known conflict events. Interest in since I
Was on the last iteration of this >> all the lawyers my employer have taking a look at that very closely. >> I have the time to commit to and already completed the. Citizens Academy. So >> thank you Thank you.
Whether this is the reason I’m sure someone more well informed than I will point this out. But I mean, my last year starting as a member of the city of Rock, those community Policing advisory board. I’m a term ends next
Year in terms of my time and I work from home. currently working providing services for federal law enforcement agency in the area doing policy and planning. So my schedule flexibility such that I can dedicated necessary attend any training or attend any
Meetings and might be required to do so. As a look for the privilege actually helping the commission and the council on the successful in their endeavors. Thank you very much. Thank you. found Mister Watson picking up the rain. have a no known conflicts, as
Indicated have recently the tie August of this year. So Nothing. But time on my Time is good. appreciate our Colleagues in the Q a turnover. First 2 councilman, a look in half councilmember to and councilmember cats of other colleagues which to get
In the queue. Please do so. Now let me turn it over to councilmember looking. >> Thank you, Mister President. I’m so speak overall, just your input and thought so I wanted you to each talk about what you think is an effective method of
Problem solving from a law enforcement perspective. And if you are familiar with the Sarah model of problem solving which involves scanning analysis, response and assessment, you can comment on it and that way, if not, please choose your own words.
But talk about how you envision positive police based problem solving in the community. And we can start, I guess, week, what what are we Who’s who goes first? >> Council president. Okay. Mister Williams. >> Like I said, oh, it starts
And respect as You don’t always have to be intimidating. police automatically is a pret presence of of protection. And so when you when when you push that boundary, it turns and it gets it gets hostile and we don’t want that. We want we
Want to be safe with this interaction to be a safe and that the operation operation as possible. these just do the right thing. Not every resident is aware of their rights to constitutional rights. I’m just just do the
Right thing. As as a cop, you know, everything you have ever you you what you can call for backup. that’s that’s my response. >> I was not familiar just Google it. So. And actually in the first page, it came out, I
Think it’s very well aligned with with the philosophies that I’ve mentioned in in my opening question you know, scanning analysis response. An assessment is counter to what replaced, which was problem oriented policing where it was very much more reactive. And I
You know, thinking about how do we turn to more of a prevention model and providing services in the community and providing police others that the tools that they need to do their job and to help prevent crime versus just reacting to
It is very well. And that’s my own views approach to. Crime and policing. Thank you. >> I love my wife’s name. Is Peggy Very familiar with it. And I don’t think it’s actually used well, especially when it comes to problem oriented policing. I think
Ultimately that is going back to what I said earlier by this officer centric empowering officers to be the the people actually developed a solution help implement them. I think that right now we’re in a situation. I think there’s a disconnect in almost a barrier
Being put out to go through that whole process and fully embrace it. And I think, you know, we’ve all heard about surveys that are sent out in and we expect to get feedback and to learn about what the community residents needs are
In very seldom do. I think we get a good representation of So I think actually that the best people that know what’s going on the community, people live there, obviously on the officers only that that respond to calls there every
Day. So I think the more we can do for them to engaged in that process and collecting what I consider probably best firsthand information and be able to then take based on those on that information put up the residents, be able to
Develop a a plan that can go for because again, I think each community within county might have different needs expectation of the department. And I think that certainly using a model such as Sarah think does go. It will formalize that process
Regardless of what fancy acronym name you want to get it. If it’s not being done, that’s a At least that’s done. You call something else in mind that check all the boxes. But I think regardless of that, I’m some kind of formal
Plan approach to get to that. That problem or a policing objective I think is is probably something we should Thank you. To Mister Donohue’s He made a very salient point that I do believe that. Sometimes we don’t know what
We don’t know and again, the people who are going to and for me on that, all the people who ended. Getting that information from residents from the community. Well, then allow us to plan appropriately and put things in place to attack that problem. Thank
You. Okay. Let’s turn to Councilman John a thank you. Thank you all for applying and for your interest in your service to the county and various ways >> I have the same question for each of you out to try to
Be concise. It was mentioned earlier the role of policing has changed over time, right? You know, and and you know, if you start in the south from. The initial slave patrols right to getting a cat in a tree, right? Like in dealing
Some with homelessness. it has changed in expanded dramatically, particularly in the last 40 years. What police are expected to do. Are there things that you think police shouldn’t be doing? And if so, do you think that expansion has been to broaden Are there
Specific activities? You think police should not be asked to do primarily? And if so, could you give an example of those? And if you don’t think that? Say that, too. But the premise of the question is there’s been a dramatic expansion.
That’s a fact. Do you think that’s an appropriate expansion? And if so, explain why, if not, what should police not be doing and how should we be handling it in other ways? start with missed defense. >> I think it is a fact that
Policing has and I I don’t know that it it has been intentionally done in a way that is inappropriate. However, there are definitely some areas where I think we could pull back. One of those it’s more about increasing things in other dimensions. So
One of those areas is, I mean, the traffic enforcement I probably all heard me talk about. mean, the traffic enforcement and other contacts and I believe we need to do more of it. We need to do more of it because it is unbiased.
It And something that I’m really gets at the safety the purpose of traffic enforcement, which is safety. Safety of our roadways. And so that is one area where I think. Police should be backing off automation should be moving forward. I’m not
Saying take all of the traffic cops off the street. That’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying there. We need to shift the balance. Same goes for some of the around social services and mental health. And and some of the engagements that we have
Between police in our schools. I’m not saying that police should never be in our schools. But what I am saying is that we need to think through, though, the model of how we do that in the way that we do community and and be
Very thoughtful about it because there is a huge, huge risk especially especially if you don’t have the right culture and training in place in your police apparatus that could turn very And so so we need to allow police to do
Their job in terms of keeping the community safe and and making appropriate types of traffic stops and you know, engaging and certain types of community involvement. But there are definitely areas where we can ramp up services other create a better a better
Balance in a more appropriate balance. Thank you. >> Thank you. Woodruff. I would echo that. Also landlord tenant. On the civil side. Obviously the sheriffs play a role eventually in with more. Active initial hype role that could maybe benefit and idea
Being that the more time you can free up the police for not respond to things they should be responding to housing in focus their attention on the things they should be responding to. neighbor dispute might be another one. A lot of the simple things
That police are called resolve which is not really a lot that we can do. I know not respond to those things. A lot of times I was just referring them to other agencies for help on songs. It was an initial. problem that had to
Be addressed, you know, from a law enforcement perspective, mental health was mentioned again. I know there’s a bill. 43 23 that’s looking at sea. It model as jurisdictions have done a nationwide. I think that the more again setting expectations and I think we’ve
Had this which that’s where a lot of times. But I think in this sense it does maybe add value where it is a a collaborative effort between a lot of different agencies, county schools, I think have farm. Health and human
Services certainly has a role states attorney’s office. The sheriff’s department housing community development. So I think the more we can look at their role in the actions that to inform the police, what the police can and cannot do. It
Should not are not equipped to It’s a training extra training might be needed to assist in that. But I agree that I think the is expanding because we’re like, what are the only agencies are resources that are 24 7, right? So when I was
With us Iraq that call, the water main breaks, you know, bats in people’s houses. When our animal control officers were not working. So what do we do? provide service because that’s what we do right but as as more more calls service in
The more demands police have increased. The question is you have to make a decision as to where is the police best use of time to have the biggest impact? So I think it’s going to require a lot of knowledge, education to be a worst and
Exactly other agency are. How can they help to police please help maybe get the best level of service provided for everyone. Yes, to a cold. Some of Mister Donohue >> most people get in trouble, first thing think is to call
The police. Despite whether or not it’s within the police is part of you to be able to help them. Harking back to my role as a federal probation officer I got calls some days from adult disputes right? Individuals not get along with
This spouse. I’m going call dive into that and say, well. Is he physically harming you any safety issues that need to be concerned with it. If not, I don’t really get engaged in matter dispute. So again, it’s about the training, the
Timing, the best use of an officer’s time level of expertise taken off of 2 particular situation. I think once we figure out where better serve how we could fill in the gaps with other agencies. Then I guess the overall expansion and what
Called to have to address. We can look at it a little specifically in regard. I >> The way the system is set up. I don’t see nothing wrong the system. it comes to policing. Is those who enforced law enforcement.
Police have to do the right thing. When one cup messes up, it got blows up on social media and now there’s going to be You know, bills being passed because of that one cop. That’s just a rough example. We note stuff like
This has happened before. I just want police to do the right Police is needed is just that. There’s certain to certain individuals who believe they can they’re above the law. They can pack up with no repercussions at all. And what is no repercussions test?
But Biden accountability and with that kind of ability is gone. The trust is going with that. But the public then the fear all comes out again, I I want I want to address that. I want to bring back the trust where police and the community
Can work together because I I and I want to say community, I know what selected up in a in a troubled community. And I also been a lot of beautiful communities in Montgomery County, and I’m just trying to figure out what do we need?
How how do we address this? And to, you know, ask your I >> an individual like this is what’s in your heart as as a cop, you have to do the right thing. This what my father told me, my grandfather told
Me is this what Desmond, my motto. Thank you. Think president? Thank you. Our next a question or is the proximity share our city >> Thank you very much. And thank you all for your interest in this very important commission. There
Are many areas and I think the advisory Commission on policing could be really helpful. One area among those is much more direct community engagement. to find out what people really want from police and how would you engage the
Public in 2 he left. So I guess I get to Who will answer the first one man I believe as Mister Donahoe right now. very good. Say the vice president. I’m paying Please. Thank you, Miss Madam. Vice President. >> Thank It can be done
Through surveys. They’ve been tried. I don’t get that information. Think we’re looking for. I think it’s going out and doing more direct community meetings. Meeting at churches. You center’s. Why do we always expect people come to a central location? Then we we
Can’t understand why no one showed up right course. Not as many people showed up as we expected. That’s because some people don’t have transportation to get to where you want them to They can’t afford the key here. So I
Think we need to go back to in. This is something else. I think a lot of patients that successfully citizen police academies, they now going out and develop a series of many police academies in their health. The communities community centers where people
Can walk across the street, our ride their bike or give dry from a friend. So I think when we go back and do that and having a planned asked very, very A lot of times the questions we ask or not, we
Think. And this is a problem. Law enforcement, we we think a certain way and we frame questions in a certain way. The way we think the answer want the answer them, but it’s really not the best way to phrase the question to get the
Input you need back. So I think having more knowledge in framing the and once that is done going out into the communities in go where people congregate to get that person information is critical. Thank you. Mister wants. I believe presence presence is important.
>> Presence in the community being able to engage people and they’re comfortable environment. So again, going into the community sometimes not the most desirable Again, my role as a probation officer. So people in the office right? But any office
Always got what I call the dress rehearsal. Had to see them in native environment. I had to communicate with them in native environment with their friends, with their families, associates and then and only then was I able to get accurate picture of what
Was going on. So president and the community being able to have authentic conversations with people I think will. Go a long way and achieve that goal that trust accountability. think way. my I. >> I don’t know because community retrain. That’s
That’s my thing. That’s what I do for a I I do work directly with residents in my community from gate is burned to Rockville to only to break Cheney. I do. I partner with other organizations and nonprofits. We have our own many community meetings.
That’s that’s what I’m about. We have this open safe space. The shared space to talk about the needs and wants of of the community. And so everybody has their advantages and disadvantages as candidates. Maybe that’s why outreach community casework and I
Talked to them from a human standpoint. I don’t work for agency as I I’m a caseworker Bihar. I do outreach. I want to know how I can help you because I know what’s it like to be in that predicament. And when you have that, that
Connection with But days with that community, it builds a better trust. that’s why I feel that bridge to have that to create that pillar for trust and safety. thank Thank you. Ms de France. >> Echo much of what my cope analysts here have already
Said. And I’ll add to I think. >> It’s right. You can’t you can’t be a true community engagement in a room like or, you know, and and county executive Office building or, you know, places people are not comfortable or it’s not
Hard to get everywhere. It’s hard to get to. I will say one of the things that was mentioned was schools. >> In in my in my own the school is the center of the neighborhood. >> Every kid goes to school. In my neighborhood. They
Receive a lot of services from the school. There are there’s an ability to have good communication with community members because there are some resources around translation and interpretation and other things that that, you know, creates a more comfortable environment and that’s a
Community that my neighbors trust, they trust the principal. They trust the teachers they trust the PTA members. And so I would I would kind of bad that into the suite of engagement. And I will also say that, well, those Citizen Academy is is a
Good idea. It’s very light. Police focused like this. Oh, yeah, that’s our job. >> And its way up in Gaithersburg and it was very, very difficult for me to get to 15 sessions for 3 hours, 15 weeks in a row every Tuesday
Night. So that’s not really a way to do Just I did it because I wanted to learn. But if you don’t have that level of motivation, that that’s not happening. >> Thank you very much. I just wanted to know that to me get
Gaithersburg is not that way up there. just think that’s how the saying you have to get >> a slight difference to weigh up their new home. it’s all a matter of perspective. Is this notes? But with that, let me turn it over to
Councilman Matt. >> Thank you. the stuff that’s a great point, actually, something that we all just recently discussed as a as a body and we agreed. So there’s been some tweaks to allow for for folks to be able to engage
As their best able, but also trying to make sure that folks are not going to precluded from serving. If they’re, you know, unable to spend that amount of time. So I think is a very comfy. So it might issues of policing can
Obviously be very fraught. There is wide range of opinions and perspectives. you know, especially in places like Montgomery a lot of folks are conditioning the same end goal in the same and community. But there’s a lot of different perspectives on
The best way to get And there could be a lot of emotions that are tied up and I completely understand what lot of folks with personal experience, whether that is with law enforcement at the hands of law being in a and a
Community that impacted by the criminal justice system and impacted by crime. So many different ways that people bring their personal experience in this conversation. Could you just talk a little bit oh, you see those being handled how to
Make sure that all of those different voices and perspectives are able to be heard. still calm to good place where you’re able to provide those recommendations take all of that and then provide those recommendations that the county is relying on
You for making sure that, you know, marginalized voices are not being, you typically does. Empower voices are not being lost in the shuffle. Can you just talk a little bit about? How you envision? Make making all that work and not sure who
We’re starting with this time. don’t remember. Mister Watson, Great. Trying to figure out how to answer that question as authentically as possible. >> Because I think It provides perspective again, not have been less to have a. 27 27 year career in law
Enforcement. I live in this beautiful county. I raise my daughter in this county. My God is able to benefit from specialized programs in the county actions. Currently it’s 2 and then the Chinese immersion program in the county. But with this starting
With me, it wasn’t always like that. I tell people I come from extremely humble beginnings. I’ve been I guess you can kind of say on the wrong side of policing. With regards to as it’s been said on the panel. How people
Police. My ability to navigate that responsibility. Has helped me to be at this point where I’m at now. So based on that, I feel that I have a responsibility specifically in a provided over the years and just my overall interaction
With people on a day-to-day basis I think first you have to be willing to listen. Then you have to be. Able to not judge, because sometimes we have pre conceive notions about people before you really delve into the person themselves. My career has
Taught me that. For example. A conversation I would have with person under supervision. I would look at their criminal record and I would just ask them a very on this question. Has anyone throughout your journey, no matter how bad
It’s been. Have said to you that you’ve me that bad choices. And they say all the time. I say, well, guess is not going to tell you that. And it’s a whole and send me. Well, I’m not missed a Is that
Because I don’t want to overthink it. Because at that point in time that you made that decision. You thought it was the best decision for you. Might not be a decision. I would make was someone else with me. But you thought it
Was the best decision. Now, let’s look at what you lost as a result of that. If any of the things that you’ve lost. Of beneficial on meaningful to you. And you don’t want to find yourself feeling that again. you making better
Decisions becomes just a little bit easier. So using that perspective, I think if you just listen. try not to judge. And be open to change. It makes the process a little bit easier. >> Mister Williams. >> I that that that reach that
Reached out to deeply. I’m sorry to say that. >> I I’m envisioning of a way of having transformative policing to achieve this transfer of policing. We’re going to have to have like this. This space of communication where not only residents of Montgomery
County, but also the underrepresented people of Montgomery County, that class and culture of people, immigrants that needs to be addressed as well because they don’t they don’t you know, that that privilege to be here or or in the town hall setting
2 to talk right. And when not when every once everybody is at the table to talk right to express themselves, understand a police perspective, parenting community involvement, work working you know, like when. When that when a certain class of people
Is not there. saying my my father used to tell me, you know. When you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. And so. These these does that leave decisions is going to be made. And if you’re not there. We don’t have that. That
Chance that, you know, that that option, that power. So that’s led to say thank you. Thank you. Stephens. I’ll just speak to my own thoughts. And I think reputation. >> I have known to be a person who is thoughtful and I
Recognize that I may middle-aged white woman, but I don’t come from a background of privilege. I was the first generation college student, first generation professional. I am married to a black immigrant. I have 2 black children. I live in a
Community of color with many, >> children who are in poverty and who are friends with my children. And I take very seriously the privilege that I do have. It’s very important to me to be an ally and an advocate. And I take that role
Very seriously. And so for my own personal perspective, I feel that I’m well position, too. Help those Weiss’s be heard. and that’s one thing that I always prioritize in any of the south sorts of community conversations. Thank you, Mister Thank you. I think
It goes back to a couple of important things that all of us imagine that’s really communicate, listening communication and planning. >> I think that if you asked most patrol officers it’s first-name basis with their with the business leaders in
Their in their in their beaver, their sector who The pastor that resident association president is they probably are because having given up or taken time, I had the opportunity to have that level of engagement. So I think the more one-on-one time
And and and strategy used coverage that lot non-law enforcement, not confrontational relationship, but I think it goes back to you want the community to be comfortable bringing those issues forward to the person that should be the one trying
To address them. And that’s a person that it is seen or or is responding to a call for service within that that community and every single person who expresses a concern or interest art idea to the department, although the part
May not think it’s important important to them. And so I think what I’m trying to do is as as a professional, years, be very responsive to. A question or a request for help, because I would look at it this way. How would I
Expect someone to treat me? How long would I expect someone to wait for a response to an e-mail, right or phone call? So I think the more response to the Maury Show, sincere interest and apathy and concern and follow-up to
That problem. if you don’t know the answer, take 5 minutes and Google it. Call a colleague, get a phone number. The name, a link, whatever, right. The whole point is you want to make sure that your response to the concerns of
Whoever that person is. And I think as you build that network and people have confidence that that’s how their concerns are going to be addressed. I think the plans strategies to try to address those things can be broadly implemented and certainly and
This has been one of the things that most agencies recognized have public input on policies, procedures, in training all mentioned, as was mentioned before training is probably want to an education up right to the best things that I think can help inform
And help. Well, a lot of issues that are happening, especially training for first-line because accountability accountability starts on the street and the person that’s out there. 24 7, every single police officer is a supervisor of some sort at some rank. So that’s a
Problem. The supervisors first line of defense and if they are not equipped, not train, not concerned, don’t care. And it’s going to be a problem down the road. So I think that the more we can set them up for success, provide that
Support and expand that. I think will go a long way in helping implement good solutions that will hopefully address the community’s concerns. Thank you. Council present. Thank you, Mister President and thank you all for. >> Applying for this very
Important board. So happy to see so much interest in this advisory commission. And so my is ever evolving landscape of our county you know, you all have so much experience. I’m sure you seen things that are working that haven’t worked.
You know, eager to hear from ideas that could shape our community’s future for the better to address some of the challenges we’re facing and wanted to see if there are any potential policies or initiatives that have yet to be implemented, that you would
Like to see implemented or as members of this new advisory board. Any recommendations you would have you would like to propose and I believe we’re starting of the Mona and me. I’ve talked with a lot of cops and from what I gather. They
Break. They are stressed out. They they are super stressed out. They are annoyed because again, I said earlier our cops are over policy. Wolf policy. There’s so much policy they have to go through that when they come when it’s time to
Interact with someone who a day MS needs to be tended to. so much going on how might that question themselves? And so I I would think addressed what. To hear more from where our cops are saying and not only that, give them space to
Talk with not going to be crucified, not going to be. You can say that because you’re a copper law enforcement, as you know, cops, their donors paid a And so they have to behave a certain way and we’ll try and
Tell them like, no, no, you’re human like me. You know, I care for you and I care about the community. We’ve got to work together. So that’s that’s my answer. Thank you. >> I don’t have any specific policies that I would offer up
Today. I think that we are in a great transition We’re kind of in that post COVID haze still coming out of it. Things like community interactions and engagement. feel more real at this point. And as you mentioned earlier, will be
Bringing a new chief of police. At some I think that really over the next year, I would want us to be very thoughtful about looking at at the data, doing a scan of the environment, which some of that has already started to be
Done. But we should we should really like take a little bit of a pause in the thing, but take a little bit of a pause to make sure that the policies we’re putting in place are really thoughtful and make sure we give whoever is
Leading the police department a chance to some new ideas and some new thoughts and to some of some of these types of engagement because they might bring some new ideas. >> Thank Thank you. I think partnerships. One of the things I think could be
Expanded our event as a start-up with the partnership of Academia. >> I think a lot of of good work that can be done. And certainly in terms of being a force multiplier, the grants was mentioned, I think is another good option to pursue
There’s a lot of of money out there available to jurisdictions to help support their programs. I think the EU, this did a lot of good work and then I went and community-based violence prevention. We’ve engaged other facets of the community.
I mention you somehow Youth Academy, a similar to a citizen police academy, but much shorter. One that really engages the youth and helps about that relationship between the youth and the police But I think a lot of good work be done. There. I
Think also there’s a lot of work be done to with a faith based organization. Nonprofits, for example, again, getting back to community grassroots support him and establishing that that I think is important because a lot, I think the work they’re
Doing that the police can help with and vice versa. I think the more that communication can happen. think certainly giving officers the ability to be part of that process. I think do that. I think it was a policy changes. Maybe not.
What I would say is a policies. More may be a paradigm shift to try and really go back to what I can say to basics and fundamentals and community policing. again, looking at based on dating experience, you know what are
Top 3 top 5 issues in the community, that communities or maybe it’s a trend going across all communities that need to be addressed. I think having that relationship with other agencies in the county to be able understand what programs are available. Lot of
Times as a police officer were not aware of like all these programs, other agencies, right? Everyday people get referred to them, but we don’t know what they So in terms of providing a a level of service as expected, I think the more
Knowledgeable we are police officers they’ve let provide that service, think will go a long way in helping everybody. I think have that that trust and respect that we need. Thank you. Thank you. Mister Watson. So I don’t I don’t have any specific policy
Initiatives that I would speak to hit today. >> I would say education, education, education, just as an I went on a field trip about a week ago with my daughter 2. Thomas Edison High and do a fun do junior achievement. They had but
Please call Finance Park. Yeah. Which I thought was absolutely Anything like that what a lot of things into perspective for all the students from various backgrounds and I’m not I’m not familiar with the Citizens Academy that that who you
Spoke to but just something in that vein when if you consider policing. And all that goes into policing, how do we educate the community as a home so that? Sometimes when you see police reaction to things one aspect of community
Is quick to jump They should have done this. But if you don’t have a deeper perspective, esta, why that actually have taken place. It’s easy to form that opinion. So I think educating everyone across the board has to why officers may have to
React. And this week on why they don’t react this way based on the circumstances, I think is important. So I think education. Yes, we have policy. I’m sorry. I’m well who believe policy is meant it meant a guy. I don’t believe
It should be a hard and fast rule because sometimes circumstances may require you somewhat deviate from that. So I think community policing and that regard is important. And individuals first interaction with a police officer. Is it good or is it that that office
And makes that determination? Again going up in an environment where there was office and the community people knew, hey, if you would do something, you probably should not be doing. Hey, I know who grandma days. Aw. I know who this stakeholder is
In the community. Maybe. Creating a diversion in that regard versus hey, I’m just going to lock you up and take you down to the station, so to speak. So yeah, I think education is key education on both sides. What the community
If officers and not educated what that is from community to community, then again, if they just driving is hard and fast policy, they’re going to have the same reaction what might be different problems. Thank you, everyone for your responses. You.
>> Thank you. Our final speaker in the queue counsel Robert Thank you, Mister President, thank you all so much for your willingness to serve many of you already serve in other capacities and your community engagement is critical because the role of
This body is to be a And it’s a really important, especially now I appreciated your all of your responses to Councilmember cats. Question about how to meet the community where they are engaged. But for some segments of our heart of that we know
That for a variety of reasons. A number of members of our immigrant community, particularly those that have documentation challenges are reluctant to come regarding matters in their community. And we’ve worked hard for generations in this county to build those bridges. But they
Will once again be tested as we go into very toxic political environment with a lot of collateral damage. As a result. So how would you engage in addition to trying to beat the community where they are and ensure that those
Voices that even through their best efforts are still reluctant to come forward. any thoughts you have on that? And I think the staff first. >> So I that in particular is one reason that I mentioned school communities. I don’t mean community policing in
Schools. I mean, leveraging the school community because there is trust in those communities with people who are engaged the school process. They know that they’re not going to get turned in all that. we deal with that a lot in my
Elementary school as we plan things with the PTA and And so it’s a really hard question. It’s a really hard question. And I think I didn’t realize how hard was until my kids to start school. And, you know, as I would have ideas and say,
Let’s do this and people like do that when people are going to be released like spooked by that because of because of the immigration challenges. So I also think that providing a safe space. To talk about this matters. Even if the police
Are not in the room, that’s also important to you know, there there are ways that you can. mechanisms for input and feedback and summarized really it in different ways, you know, through various town halls and provide, I think it’s it’s mostly about
Providing that safe for for listening and that safe space for providing the input. And I know that I’ve seen you in our community did that very successfully a few years ago. And we of a four-man traffic safety and there were many,
Many people who came out and gave their opinions on And so that I think you can take some of those practices repeat them. Thank Whether or not this work Montgomery County, not sure. But the Metropolitan Police Department has created what’s called a special
Liaison branch. >> And these are specially trained officers from different backgrounds to speak. The language number one. And then they have a series of training programs that they go through to really learn the ins and outs of the culture that values and norms
Of the communities throughout throughout the city. They in turn become kind of ambassadors, if you will, that allowed in directly engage with the key leaders in those in those communities through the key leaders in those communities you can gauge the
Residents that live there. >> And so there’s constant communication and to help nurture that relationship to build that level of trust. So they are more comfortable because you’re right. Regardless how many opportunities you get someone to try and tell you what
There, some simply are not not going to do that. So it’s going to be a small fringe of that. But I think by having a proactive strategy and a program in an approach to do that in which has been very successful. And what happens
Is those officers then are able to bridge that gap as the patrol officers right then and 24 7 patrolling communities to be able to be that bridge to educate them. The education is is is And so I think having some approach like that,
Something very little investment probably to to be successful, I think would be a a a potential way to and get that make it successful. Thank you. Just to echo some of those again, education is key informant, people consistency. I think consistency is
Important. If you show up today, he I mean to a session needs, but then they don’t see you again. They see someone else asking the same question right? Doesn’t necessarily for us. The truss. So I think consistency is important. Watch assessed those needs you
Have to deliver on those needs. lot of people say a lot of things. But as my grandmother used to say, the proof is in the pudding. Right? So if you’re able to deliver on those things, then it also forced mistress and
Then you start to build that partnership and collaboration as needed. So that everyone essentially ones. So I think consistency presents and obviously building trust Putin. Keys to I’m reaching that outcome. >> It starts with doing the right thing. I came across a
Lot of immigrant communities and I had that talk with them today. How do you feel about police? I don’t want to please. Biden who you call. I don’t know. What are your fears? What are you worried about? And when we had that
Conversation is that we can move forward. Police. They have to have this understanding of compassion, empathy when addressing. People have certain coach or certain backgrounds the city of Gaithersburg. They do a good job I seen police myself.
Do they do their job? They do. They don’t do extra stuff there and say, hey, you know, you you ran a stop sign. You have broken tail light. I want to search a car. Get get out. Get out your car, you know,
Make handcuff. You searched is that they don’t do that. They do what’s needed. And it is through there. When you do what’s needed. And addressed the situation properly. That’s a step, too. truss I want to and also giving resources that’s could be optional. I’m
Just saying that’s another way of some cars that I care. I care about you. You still have to follow the law. But if you need is if you need that, you have to. We have to talk about it and I’m pretty sure there’s
Trainings out there. Fort for cops to address. You know, what am I looking at? You know, what is the surroundings when it comes to the people of certain cultures immigration. So thank you. Thank Back to President. Thank you, colleagues, I thank you to our
Panel. Really appreciate your willingness to serve. The clerk will be in touch with follow-up information. Appreciate your. >> Thoughtfulness and we’ll be in touch. So thank you very much. We’re to our second panel of candidates to consider for the advisory
Commission on Policing. All in vain. Up Reverend Brian Bellamy in Christine Elaine Francisco, Javier Gonzalez and John Stevenson. Please join us up at the table and we appreciate you being here as well. As we do with the first panel. I will be asking a
Series of prepared questions with each of you taking turns answering first, my colleagues, as you just heard. I have some additional questions and I will turn to them as well as colleagues at the appropriate time to get back in the queue of I can
Just go through the same order of colleagues are comfortable with that to keep it consistent. So I have that list and I’ll just go through. I was college that there are additional comments or questions. Please let me now.
Now that I C a R. Applicants. Joining us here at the table. Welcome. First question. We’re going to please describe what you want to serve on the commission and given your background or experience, what makes you qualified to serve? Reverend Bellamy, we will
Start with you. never me. Sorry if you could just take the button like it’s on the table in front. Yeah, overturned, right? There you go. I have to do this every Sunday morning. Good morning, everyone. Again, my name is Brian Bellamy. I’m very happy
To be an applicant and to be presented before you today. I am a proud citizen of Montgomery County. I’m relatively new to the community have come to serve as a senior pastor, a historic church in the county my experience includes as a
Member of the board of Young Adult Police commissioners and a former community as well having taught. Criminal justice, sociology and political science the Department of Global Studies at the University of New Haven and Connecticut. I have been pulled over plenty of times
But never arrested. I also family members, parishioners and other loved ones that I have and as I’m listening here, a counselor who are also in law enforcement. So I have been on on all sides of the equation. And I excited about
The possibility to serve the community. Thank you. Go ahead. Thank you. I want to thank you all for taking the time enter the U.S. today. >> I was previously P a C which is now the ACP. I’m so glad that that happened. We
Were very anxious that that would not happen. So the community needs this and your slide. The commission is still here. So I’m glad to have heat you have to stay on the commission and so previously it was an and that life work
With students who are already at a very young Rite Aid’s had encounters with the police community and have relationships with them. There’s not much I can do as an educator like that’s enough. so that plate was full on. So I was limited. And in
That way, I decided venture out change my path and my career. I have my own encounters with the police on the wrong side of things was arrested. And so but I overcame that. That was a struggle that experience. I’m no different than any other
Individual that has had a completely different outcome from having those types of encounters with police officers and just innately because of what I look like and where I come from. There, maybe preconceived notions about who I am or what I’m
Saying or my voice isn’t being heard. The scene. And so when I encounter a police officer. All righty and the defense already nervous, right? So that’s not a good position to be But I was blessed to covered by the black came out
Of those things and skates record clean. And I’m now an attorney. And so on the other side of the table, which I’m so happy and blessed to be there, I don’t work and situations and my legal capacity that encounter police
Officers. So this gives me the opportunity. So put together my personal experience, my professional and educational background and experience and make a real difference in this county. Thank you. Thank you very much for this opportunity to talk with you about my
Interest in serving in the commission and my qualifications. >> A dedication to service an interest in public set safety have been a common thread throughout my professional career. And now that I’m retired, I want to get back to
My community. I will bring to advisory 3 decades of federal service in the U.S. Military Police Corps. And it’s a foreign service officer and it’s a member of the re-imagining Public safety Task Force. This service provided has long policing experience as well reviewing
Policy. I kind of guilty and potential human rights violations from a policy perspective I attended criminology law enforcement courses turned by military Officers basic, I think and that fast courses. I personally responded to domestic disturbances and work with refugees during the
Mariel boatlift. I hold analytical negotiation and communication skills and diplomatic service where I saw understand are kind of arts culture motivations and objectives in order to advance U.S. interests. And serving Columbia 100 twice in Pakistan in a wash and in Russia as the
Director of the Office for Human Rights for the Western Hemisphere. I and direct our focus the public safety sector because this is where most of the violations were taking place. And I coordinated diplomatic campaign to ensure the integrity of the Inter u N
American Human Rights Commission. In addition, I would contribute the sensibilities of fun immigrant who West educated in New York City, public schools and grew up in an underserved neighborhood. Finally. I fed will service. Federal service brought me the Metropolitan
Area. And in 1990, my wife and I decided to make Montgomery our home since then, except when we were serving overseas, lived in the county and our son has been educated county public schools k through 12. Thank you. Good morning,
Everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to be here. >> I just even send qualifications would be I serve our community have been a four-time minister and this county for over 30 years over a picture Christian Church international serving. Now as
Pastor, my own virtual search work with the community leaders on several different levels. We are currently working with the city of Ginsburg, a Montgomery County police with an organization called packed police community together. And we have we have monthly conversations for the
Last couple years moving to quarterly. We bring in I’m certain leaders in the community policed and we just have open conversations regarding the policing here and now wonderful county. More then just being a part of that. I’ve been resident here
For. Coming up. 49 years though. looked over for 9 years and we move New York City here seen a lot of things. That was a culture shock for me a little bit as a youth. But we lived in near you. Offer me with the county.
Grew up in Rockville Vehicle road. But with the high school day buses over to Old Georgetown Road to Charles of the Woodward High School. So we’ve got an opportunity as family just difference in the way things were done in our
County. But more so for I want to be a part of this, too. Help bridge that and help some communication. I notice my children are 5 children. my wife and I. Recognize some things were happening that they just never disclosed to
Us with encounters with the police. And they took it as a normal. We were just in casual conversation and they too some of the things that happened to them. It’s all this that this always happens. You get pulled over. We’ve got to do this.
This happens. That’s what they say and everybody and something happens to me as a youth, not as >> much of And I was hearing it from a children. And so instead of complaining, I wanted to get involved and so
In 2015, 2016, I got him involved with trying to bring awareness bridge the gap community. I know. Is there a fear on both sides of coin and so we have to communication open communication. And that doesn’t happen. And to his understanding. And so that’s
My reason for being here. Thank you. Our second question, one of the commission’s primary purpose is to provide information to the council on best practices regarding policing matters. >> How do you determine what the best practice is and what are some important policing
Practices you’d like to explore. What do you plan to bring to the forefront? How do you plan to bring to the forefront racial equity, social justice issues related to policing practices. Mister Lane. We’ll start with Yes, I have notes on this don’t miss
Anything. >> And so I’m a big believer in data and that’s usable one of the things that we did learn while on the Policing Advisory Commission with that is a lot of data out there. But a lot of it is not
Actually usable are malleable and a format that we can then take digest and apply. And so this creates its own set of The more time that we take digging into that, that type of data. I mean, we as hopefully a C p and once we
Dig into that were able to identify the type of specific data we need, what we need to retrieve gather compiled what issues given the opportunity to then resolve them. The better part of taking that that and having the commission
Is having the G is that each individual on the commission that is a priceless contribution that through the council to the council through the commission’s advisement. A lot of that that’s going to be searched and that to get to find to the research process
Of determining best practices. would definitely on the valuable research of working with that are invested parties. A large part of it is having implementation of those best practices we’re all invested and year to employ those best practices, proven best practices. coming from
That lens. All policies out of these policies practices are important. Excuse me. I want to make that clear on police practices are important and there may be times with a history to present time for some practices are more relevant, then others, but
They’re all important and we must all stay abreast to the use of force for obvious reasons. That’s one practice. And this is a highly visas areas that we have the opportunity as a commission to really dig into that and stay
Ahead of it. It’s vital to our community that the police chief, everyone fairly consistency, those chest and this just as employing that this police practices, traffic stops, community, policing, recruitment and retainment community policing is one of my specific interest. And as
It can be a way to solve problems proactively promote social cohesion you know, against rest of the community opens the opportunity for police to truly protect and serve. These are all things that we will have on the commission to explore and
Advise. And it’s not possible to explore any of this without delving into racial equity and social justice. The purpose of best practices is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly in order to ensure that is happening. We must acknowledge that there are
Times where everyone is not treated fairly. This commission gives us the opportunity take a closer look at these things and provide the highs qualified advisement to the council. Thank you. Thank I would approach my at the commission with an open
Mind willing to explore new concepts and to be persuaded to change my mind. >> I did during my service in rematch inning, public safety task force. I would listen actively and critically. And with an open mind, the representatives of the county
Government experts, the various communities and advocacy groups as well as my colleagues in the commission to learn their perspectives and objectives. I would educate myself on the issues at hand by looking at reports from previous county efforts as well as the professional
Literature of public safety and outreach with the community. And I would work collegiately collegiately with with my colleagues to narrow differences and build consensus for recommendations. I hope to explore how our police department applies the strategy of community policing
As well as problem solving policing and intelligence policing. I would also like to explore to what degree recommendations from the ncpd audit and that they re imagining public safety task force are being implemented specifically with regards to institutional culture, data
Collection and analysis and use of force guidelines. I see racial equity and social justice. Fundamental effective policing. And there is and I’m full and terrible data produced by county government agencies and on policing outcomes, including and CPD zone data that indicate that
We still have work to do in this regard. remains to be seen is whether the data collected by county agencies and specifically by Ncpd is optimal and put 2 effective use. I believe listening comments directed from the various sectors of our
Community, including in person through service and other means is essential to ground truth. evidence and the data that we’re getting from the county. In particular, it is essential that we hear directly from the more vulnerable and the less service sectors of our
Community as they can to be the most victimized by crime. I also believe that research data collection and analysis is useful in identifying policies and procedures that could I think negatively our efforts. To promote racial and social justice. Thank you. I
Do with both of them think that that is important. >> Before you can create any policy, you have to have the correct data but it depends on where you’re getting from. We’re talking to if you’re not talking to a specific
Community and in our county, I think the youth are critical to that data they have great impact and they’re going to be the future of our community. And so for getting the right that and how do you get that data and get true data, you’re
Going to have to develop relationship developed trust for them to be able to come for and tell you the truth of what’s going on and then we can properly assess that data. And then the data has to be to
Be my yearly so we can look at policy again. Things are we are living in this technology age and things moving so quickly just to leave something in place and have it there for 7, 8 years. I don’t think effective or it’s good
News what we’re seeing today, as you all know, you seeing changes so fast right now, just in the policy that you’re setting that you have to go back to the table and reevaluate what we’ve set. And now we do something. So I
Think that if there’s something set up and established where we can re evaluate that data, then we’re able to make had ways is not county. >> I echo a lot of what he’s been saying. I’m a firm believer and not reinventing
The wheel. And so if there was a proposed policy, I think that we do the research to see if there are similar policies and communities that are similar to ours and then we would have to re contextualize that policy for our community
That might involve putting together a small committee of law enforcement and community members to see how it would work for Montgomery County. Then we could even have a laboratory where we take us on a small segment of the county to that policy. So, for
Example, one policy that I’m also very interested and is community policing. I grew up in 1980’s America where they told all of us if you’re in trouble, run to the police. But we know that in recent times and with national events
That that is not the case anymore. So if we wanted to create a model of a familiar community policing, perhaps we could research other communities that have that kind of model where officer Rick wants the street and he’s our friend and then perhaps we
Could up that that out with a sampling of law enforcement community members and then we can implement it and small bills is one or 2 communities to see how it works. And if it works well, in some communities, perhaps we can implemented throughout the
County. I do believe that as significant as policing policy needs to be incremental and well vetted and researched. Thank you. Thank Let’s move on to our 3rd question. How do you envision community engagement to help the ACP better understand what current?
>> Montgomery County Police Department policies and practices are effective and identify policies that one further investigation and examination I will start with you Ms Trad here, it’s down one. I thank you very >> I say no air earlier. I I
Think it is essential for the commission to and sure that we hear directly from all sectors, but that we prioritize the underserved and the more vulnerable and marginalized sectors the immigrant said that the sectors of of our community that are most victimized by
Crime. And so we need to make the extra effort to reach out and hear from that. Make sure that we hear from them. So it’s on us and it will be honest and how we do that. It will be hearings, town hall
Meetings, focus groups and all the farms. But whatever it is, we have to make sure that we hear from them and this is important because we get a lot of data on on on public safety in the county. But we need to
Grant with that data. this direct engagement will also alert us the problems that emerging problems and also alert us and let us know how we are doing and how we’re making progress. Thank you. >> Well, I definitely there
Has to be you know, I guess the engagement that I’ve noticed lately been a suspect events. I think it could be what we’re talking about. A police engaging our community. How do you go to certain community communities and not have it looked over policed
Where why the police here? Why the cost here? Are we a problem? I think that you have to create subcommittees that people trust and you may have to compensate them because some of the folks are not going volunteer to be on
Committee. Some that care about community. But how do we engage even without being How do we get the things we need to do to get to to change didn’t gauge. right now is I have I have the problem. I also was part of police
Academy. I recommend anyone there in this county to take that. I thought of ways in ask questions of how we can continue bring that to the community. But when you bring it to the communities, will the community of 10 that. So
How do we get it? But again, we go back to talking to those who are in the community, what they do bring understanding and then you make it created, especially for you if you’re not able to relate to them. They’re they’re going to be
Fearful and fear result in anger of housing problems and we see we see this been blessed and now coming not to have major things happened. But I think because we have things like this is a start. But I really, truly believe if
We have some liaisons in the communities that assist, I mean that we’re here who was in the community can help better engage with that community. I think I think that it’s important for us for the cut, for the commission, for the committee to engage
Groups that are already in aggregate. I feel that people don’t really come out in strong numbers to discuss policing until there’s an incident like reactive. >> And so that being the case, I think we would certainly have to go to some of our high
Schools. I do police officers and community members coming to my high school and there was an open forum where we were giving them. I can we can address some of the issues. And I was amazed at some of the things that my peers at
That time and going as a pastor, I would advocate, you know, I’m talking to community churches, synagogues, places of worship and asking them to provide forms as well where you could get strong numbers of people to to come out and
To discuss these issues. And, you know, we just come out of COVID and I’m sure that you all of eyes the past, I’ve learned the power virtual opportunities right? And perhaps we can have, you virtual meetings where people can log in, share their as
Well. That might be an opportunity to engage the community. >> I just like recognize you know, I was thinking about something you mentioned down there about, you know, having over presence of police and how that looks versus community engagement. you
Know, I I was thinking it is a writing through another county and they had those big police towers the life of the time. It’s kind of like off putting it will be like a neighborhood at the Home Depot. And I was
Like what? But this is the neighborhood Home Depot. Pretty okay with that in a neighborhood wasn’t. What is this? Where are we? This is creepy. This is not feeling gauging, not the right kind of engagement anyway. I don’t too much of that necessarily. I
Appreciate the way that Montgomery County’s police department treats that the constituents here that has been mentioned a little bit previously by a previous candidate that was on panel. One just the way that the police engage. And so is different from county to
County. And so the work that has been done thus far, it shows itself in the way that our police officers carry in manage themselves. So how do we connects to various community organizations do? That’s directly from constituents themselves part
Of that commission would be walking in our mission. And so we will be connecting with the community. eyes are open and we’re looking through that lends because we are we have been appointed advised to do this on behalf of our will be
Walking with a keen eye and having it in or to the community and organic connection with what’s going on in the community, participate. And if things that are happening in the community attending community organization meetings, you know, it’s so great to
Reference here on the panel because they’re already connected to the community. And that’s exactly what we need in order for this commission to be successful. people where they are. We’ve discussed that of that here from candidates and it requires community immersed in
We can’t be separated like overlooking the community. We need to be part of the community to understand what’s going on. I’m like is that Musk said earlier the schools are very much central to the community year and that environment is one where most
People find themselves trusting that environment. Much more. I do believe that it also requires structured meetings like this is well, there are some people that are not going to go the finding beds, they want to sit in a meeting like this and they
Want to have their words hurt and they want to be articulated and they want someone taking minutes and they want it recorded and that’s important to them. And that feels effective for them and it can be effective. I’m sure you find this environment
Effective. You’re all here. so this is also needed. We met. We must have both so we can’t reach everyone in our community in Merced is really the key here connecting with the community listening to the community being in touch with the community organizations,
The churches, the schools, getting to know the leaders in the community, especially the immigrant community. We may have language barriers, but we are not all vary from each other. There are people within the community that can speak for our behalf through as we
Can use them in order to bring that community cohesion and social cohesion together. So thank you. Thank you. My final prepared question. Are there any conflicts of interest that you’re aware of and you have the time >> to commit to serving on fee
Commission start river melamine. >> I start start Mister Stevenson. I skipped ahead. I That’s quite alright. At current time. No, not for me right now. My wife retired. I self employed in. got grandbabies. So we’re loving life right now a different
Kind of love. But >> right now, I do. I have a I’m available to service just scheduling and were you? Thank you. And now about. >> There are no to my knowledge. And and I do have and would make the time
Available to be available and to survive. And to see this as an extension of my service to God and to humanity. Thank you. Miss >> Now I have no conflicts. And I just want to thank the council and, you know, if
You’re planning on to this commission, I’m going to make sure that you found votes to keep this commission going where the invaluable. I’m so prove thank you. >> I thank I retired. So I have impediment to commit committing to all the time and
Effort required serve in the commission and are prepared to take any and all training that might help me to contribute to the commission. I’ve done some volunteer and I do it in that neighborhood. But I’m not from associated with any community
Organization. The worst with accounting are my associated with any group that deals with any of the issues that might come up before the commission said that I partnered and work collaboratively with civic and advocacy organizations throughout my career. And I
Would like to continue to do so. The commission, thank you. >> Thank you. Letter to have councilmembers Luke Heat. You want to do cats make sales over knives in that order. Let me know if I miss anybody. But with that, let me turn it over
To council. Really key. >> Thank Asked the previous previous panel, more coffee needed Previous panel. This question there is a problem solving model and at a local model used in law enforcement called the Sarah model of problem solving. If you are
Not familiar with that, you can ignore that. I called it that. But what I want you to each discuss is what you view as a positive and collaborative way of problem solving involving law enforcement. And I guess we can start with Reverend Bellamy.
>> Very good at not familiar with that model. However, I think that. It is critical and problem solving to come to the problem. I’m creating a framework of objectivity where you are open to hearing all sides. That listen intensively to all sides asked all
Critical questions, allow some time to think through the issues have conversations with to hear their perspective and then to come together with a mutually agreed upon solution. Thank you, Mister Lane. >> Yes, I’m a big advocate of proactive work that’s part of
What this commission is also because the Senate to do as well where you have these conversations with the police department officers and things that they may be facing. I think it’s important. We are collaborating with the police department to lead on the
Expertise. They know their problems. We see it from the outside and that’s part of what we’re there to do to be able to identify things that while they’re in the trenches, they may not be able to see. So the police department would
Also need to be open to that type of expertise were on the outside looking Here are some problems that we see a rising and that that may be actually currently happening. And while are stated we’re not seeing what’s happening right at
Their feet and bring that to us and asked being able discuss those things collaboratively together and one space that all the expertise from all angles. So I I think that the biggest thing is being able to understand that we’re all
Going see the problems from different perspectives. And we may see things that Thank Thank you. Start solace. Thank you very much. I throughout my entire career with focused on problem solving. then a 5, the problem and you try to solve
It. And if you don’t. >> Many times, particularly in the Sea, you don’t get to solve the problem. But by the time you leave the job. >> You’ve made it better. You made improvement. And so that that’s my focus. Focus on one
Of the major problems and then deal with them. And I would be able as don’t always copper to the trying to reach consensus and narrow differences my service in the military police put me in the front lines of law enforcement. I threw that
I learned several lessons and that made important. empathy, compassion, transparency and accountability. And I I think that’s very, very important. So I I I I what I would like to do. But I also learned. How easily it is for a situation
To go wrong. Even when you have the best intentions, things can go wrong for us that police officer. And for the citizens. And so with that understanding, I think we need to work collaboratively and have a dialogue with colleagues in CBD and we hold
Ourselves accountable. But we also need to hold them accountable. Thank you. >> again, just why is there a problem, what is problem exist? And this is what we can do from that perspective, for example, if there as communication problem in the
Communities with the police. most likely as part because of a lack of understanding. And how do we solve that? You know, so I think that we can assess what the problem is and start from there. Then we can begin to work on how solve the
Problem and the answer to a problem or community may be a different answer somewhere else. And so I think if we can assess what reason why we have a problem that I think we can anywhere from there to solve the problem.
>> Thank you. thank you all actually missed Elaine reference, something in one of her answers. That was exactly this kind of an about the cameras, for example. So that may not be the solution in in all communities, but in minority community in my
District chose the property. That’s what they called us to talk about. That’s what they called us to ask for. And that’s what we’ve got them because that’s what they wanted, right, that that may not be right for up another
Space replace or for even the problem. That is attempting to be solved. Thank you. Appreciate all your answers. Thank you kind, Sir. John, a. >> Thank you. And thank you all for applying. Thank you for your continued service must delaying your hopeful
Continued service. And for all the work that you all have done in our community and welcome to our community, relatively new. My question, we same way as the last panel over the last 40 years. The role of policing has dramatically expanded to
Include things like schools and mental health and people experiencing homelessness you know, there’s a view that I share that I think we’ve asked them to do too much and that they focus on. Violent Do you agree with that view that
We’ve asked police to do too much? And if so, what are some air examples of areas where you think we might need to re-evaluate. If you don’t agree. You can certainly say that and explain your position as well. And I think Mister
Lane, I think we’re starting with you. >> Thank And I believe that you have. lies that are the staff. That’s right. And so we the previous commission wrote a formal letter. So I’m going keep my comments kind of a
Short Embree said that I don’t as a representative at the time that was written or step toward misspeak or This represents all of them. This is I don’t want to But I will say this that it is the police
Are our commission to do a lot of things mentioned as a teacher like adding anything to that place was that if you like overwhelming, so I can only only imagine in my wildest dreams that type of pressure that police offices
Have. When we are saying we also want you to work with is very specialized group of people that are suffering from mental illness. And we also want you to work with his very marginalized group of people that are suffering from homelessness. Right? And then
We want you to also be great with the kids like this is a lot, you and we do have violent crimes and domestic violence in very serious things that the police need to be super trained on. Maybe that’s where they’re training
Time should go and things of that nature. Each community is different. takes me back to community community policing. You will know the needs of the community you are when you’re in Merced in it. Every community has you just mentioned will not need the
Police tower. So therefore, they shouldn’t be there if it’s not going to promote community engagement and social cohesion. So it my community has a high rate of mental illness. know this from my community policing that’s the kind of programs and
Services that I would be well versed and because that’s the needs of the community around me. And I think that’s a way to in the middle because the police officers are tending to be there when these things were happening. So we want
Them to have some tools in there to block something that they can reach back to so they can be resourceful, protected and safe themselves. But the biggest thing maybe not burdened with everything. every program previous candidates sitting here said
Something that there’s a lot of programs out there that I didn’t even know about. As an officer something to that effect. that’s that’s a big thing. I mean, I don’t know all the programs that Montgomery County every time someone mentions something now
I’m like, well, that is very cool. That is super awesome. This county is it continues to grow into those amazing things that this county has to offer. So to put that burden on a police officer to know everything is quite
Burdensome. But if we continue to what work around this community policing, we continue to grow and develop in that area. The police officers will be well, person should be lovers and the needs of that community there. thank Thank probably the police are
Doing too much. Their first responders. So the police get called in? >> And the they encounter a situation where people are in crisis. And they and they need help and the police needs to address it. So what we have to
Do and I hope that we can do in the commission is developed recommendations on the ways that we can take off the load of the police the way that we can facilitate the police first responders in in dealing with with crime and and
Helping prevent crime. I’m of I my concept of policing is policing by consent where the community, the lakes selects a body from its community to protect them. And so purpose of the police is to serve the community. And that’s the only
Purpose and the purpose of the police is to serve the community the way the community wants to serve. And so what we have to just take ownership of that and and work with the police to figure out what are the things that we
Really want them to do. and how do we, you it help them do it. Well, thank you. Thank you. Passage picture. I’m absolutely they’re they’re they’re doing so much. >> And I I have friends that are police officers and there’s a lot being required.
Maybe some of you all of remember cartoons when the call the fire department to come get the cat out the tree, you know, and that’s something that doesn’t happen anymore. I don’t think it happens. But the police are being asked to
Go into to the schools and the school resource officers. And I think there’s been discussion just 2 regarding that and their role in the definition what they’re supposed to do. There. But there’s a lot being asked. I think that we can look at
What’s going on and our county to assess what’s the need was to really need as a citizen. I want to feel safe. I want to make sure that when I call the police there on the way and they’re not dealing with
Situation where I know they have to do it. And I think the dispatchers are of how they redefined what the situation is. They have to the go-between. So if they can. ISIS, you know, if you go to a hospital and you sitting in
The emergency room about how I don’t know? Won’t see me yet. It’s because he’s the one at our attack. It you’ve got the flu. we’re going to get to use a prioritized. I think that needs to be assessed to. prioritize. We’re on local
Police go. But we need to start looking at what are we asking our local police to do that might not be a policing. Job. What is it that we’re we’re asking them to do? Do I think we need them in the school’s my personal opinion
Yes, I know. I’m I think that there could be some aspects of that, but I don’t think we need our police always be in our schools. I think it helps with some things. But why are they there? Are we looking at children being policed? I
Think every regional point was the school shootings. So are we using them here? And now there’s something going on here and we don’t have enough as it is my understanding the applications for police. And some of the police are retiring early. There’s great
Concern for not having enough police officers right now so that we have to look at what our current police doing and prioritize what they do until we can resolve not have enough officers. Thank you I’m a firm agreement that we ask officers
To do a lot. Some of what they are called to do requires a master’s in social other kinds of graduate training. However, I appreciate all the responses of my fellow candidates. They are first responders and so they they do need to be
Trained to respond to any kind of situation. >> I think that we can best law enforcement officers by also making sure that they are armed. >> With all of follow-up resources in order to redirect persons >> who who who get involved
But law enforcement because of of the fecundity of issues another I answer a solution to this is that perhaps there can be specializations for the officers where perhaps there is a group who are specialized in for, for example, dealing with the homeless or those
With mental illness, which is very often intersectional. Perhaps they have some extra training to deal with those groups before we directing them to long-term resources. But absolutely we do need to figure out the best way to support it. Our officers and
Trying to address all of these issues that may be out of their wheelhouse. Thank you. Thanks, Thank you. Council member Jumaane do let me turn to a chair. The Public Safety Committee counsel >> For thank you all very, very much for your interest in
This important commission on until one is the same question. But I of the other panel on and I will again for the 3rd Penn is in. Some of you have already touched parts of this. But there are many areas and I think advisory
Commission on policing, it’s going to be most helpful and continues to be when they are you among those is is how we’re going to have more direct community engagement. need directly what people really want from the police. And know that how would you
Engage the public to find out that information? And I believe Aragon’s only is it your own for the first on this one place? >> well, I’m actually thank you very much. And thank you very much. This is the first time. Since coming to United
States where I’m addressed by my middle and last name. And and that’s the way I grew I back at home. I was always honest, have you not Francisco. But when it came to United States, how do turn out to be a very difficult name to
And you guys did a great job. thank you very much. And the big community engagement. I think it’s and we, as I’ve mentioned before, I think we the commission should prioritize reaching out to the cause the sectors of the community were that suffering
Most from crime. Let’s focus on list, prioritize the problem areas and try and and I think with critic that the major advantage community engagement is not on establishing a dialogue fostering help your community, but it’s also understanding the underlying causes of the
Problems that we have. and so. What what I have found my career is that you a sort of holistic approach were, yes, you have formal meetings. >> You you have more informal meetings and it is often. >> I found when when build a
Relationship, one. When you are not in sort of a formal environment that you actually have a much more. Frank and honest and unrestricted dialogue. And this is where we the ability to new perspectives and get new ideas and and we. Get into and find
Out what the underlying causes of our problems and and and one of the possible solutions to our so that’s my perspective. Thank you. Thank you. >> I >> To create incentives to. >> Acquire more service from those who represent those communities.
>> If there’s a way we can get more of the communities were talking about serving in finding some challenges and to be on the police force on to be engaged in work and some kind collaboration with the police. I think that helps
With the engagement. If you come to my community, you really don’t understand me. It’s hard for us to work together when you don’t understand. My emotions, the things that have going on what I see on a day-to-day basis.
So if you can find and located and is an adviser, people who live in those communities to want to be involved with law enforcement where they can make a difference the voice can be heard. I think that you’ll find it been becomes a
Little bit easier. Often were mentioning in terms talking finding that some folks are just not engage with searching like they used to be. don’t trust it. They don’t trust religion. And so the church is one place, but it’s not as
Strong as it used to be. So you need to find a way to get into the community to find those stakeholders and engage with them. And they endure in Florida says in the community, if you can get them involved,
What goes on as far as a police, then you have the body then you have the influence. Now you have the engagement. You have the trust and I think we can start making business from that. >> Community engagement. It’s
So the the allusion to a prototype earlier of officer rake. But I grew up in a neighborhood where we knew 2 or 3 of our police officers and and they were our friends. And so creating that familiarity was important
Right? But as far as engaging a larger group. So I I service pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist which which you could see from here if it weren’t for trees right? every year we host a national night out. last year, there was an excess
Of 600 people. Some of you were to pass through creating those kinds of opportunities where people can come together and relaxed environment and where they are, where where the children are having fun with the police. My daughter looks forward every year to to
Getting on the police boat right? That that is a beginning of engaging people because, you’re going to get a crowd. This auditorium will be full of Stephen incident had happened and people were reacting. But I think in order to be proactive, you are going
To have to create an environment people want to comment. So that is an event where, you know, this community, event where there’s fun, where there is the opportunity excuse me where there’s the operate to engage with law enforcement and then
There is a space to address directly with police officials with regards to thank you so much to so kind with regards to, you know, the the root causes of crime. I think some research needs to be done there. What we at our church
And serving. I’m really this this neighborhood on the other side of 3.55. Is food. Insecurity is a huge issue. Housing is huge issue. And so in the ways that we can, we try to to help with that. But perhaps the forum does not
Need to be on community policing. Perhaps it needs to be on some of those issues. And the police are present to also address those issues as well to have some kind of buying into the larger issues of the community, which bleed
Into cause for criminality. So that’s just a few things. Is thank you. So I’ve searching for this for a this saying ear to the ground. It didn’t. If I sat down and I’m not got it now I’ve got to go back and
Research where exactly did this. >> from anyway. I think having your ear to the ground is is the biggest thing. And and having connections like I don’t have my own church, but I do not have relationships assortment. Reverend Bellamy,
Fairly new will get to know each other and building that have a connection with the church leaders, community leaders, as with in a Montgomery County is what will give me that connection and have my ear to the ground and
Allow me to be part of the community, engage with the community. Being part of the commission is no secret, right? This commission is a mission. So I’m walking around with this as part of who I am. short like even as as the
Council that it mentioned, you’ve got to get to know your the community around you. Some communities feel safe with the police tower. Some communities feel like that’s an over president with the police tower. So it just depends. in your community essential to
Being able to address those needs. So as the commission being a mission engaging with the public is making sure that that’s know that this is what this is. Part of what I do. So when you see me at a community event shouldn’t be the first
Time. It will be the last time we’re going to see each other again. And if there’s something that you know what’s going on when it comes to policing matters policing practices, you know that that woman there is on that
Commission. I can go talk to her. Thank you. Thank you. >> And just as an aside is my understanding that the expression here, the Graham came from when the they were listening to the ground when the horses for coming for the
Various armies coming towards left was the that was what mine is not that I ever Thank you very Councilmember cast explained how how he used to do it when was younger. I appreciate that. We always appreciate that. The breath of of knowledge and experience
That you >> share with mean Turnover Council make. >> All right. Thank you >> Thank you all so much for putting yourselves forward again in some and for great conversation here today, some of the question I get asked
Number of you have to shoulder and other questions. So feel free to take whatever direction you want to try to be consistent with our questioning. Obviously. So when we talk about policing and public safety, it can be obviously a very fraught
Issue. There are many people with different emotional ties to this from personal that cover a wide breadth a wide range of what those could be. So how do you navigate that? I’m working together as a working with the community to
Come together to be able to present recommendations in the way that the you know, would be relying on you to do. How do you make sure that the voices tend to be marginalize are most disempowered. How you make sure that they don’t get
Lost in the fray. How do you all of this? It’s a very difficult task. So would any of your thoughts on that hour, starting with a mister Stinson. >> I think the key is for the commission do well versed in
Everything that’s going on is our responsibility to know what’s happened with the policies are what changes. There are so that we make proper assessment for that communities. We’re going to be the liaison and we’re going to come and serve you all here
That you a proper assessment that we’re giving you also what’s happening and we can’t do that. We’re not aware of what’s going on a policy. What proposals are coming up for the changes as well as some of the emotions and some of the
Things that are taking place. Be aware what’s going on in the because that has a a major effect on how people shift. I some credible some of the things that I hear some people talk about that have no basis its social media. I saw on
Facebook and and they’re quoting beings online. And so now that becomes their reality. So you have to have someone that can be able to balance that. You can balance that. If you’re not aware you’re not educated. So will be the responsibility of this
Commission to kind of. in no everything here is that we can bring a proper resolution and communicate that. And in a way that is understandable size. Thank you for voting, OK? So here’s the Baptist preacher and the shares so several years ago.
>> Wednesday evening, I taught Bible This isn’t another community. I taught Bible study and I was driving home is about 9 o’clock. I saw a whirling lights behind me. And I said, oh, somebody is going to get got. And after a while,
The lights right on me. And I said, oh, my goodness, I got got it. So I pulled over and I what seemed like an eternity. And 4 other police cars with whirling lights also came and they all surround it. My car.
And finally, with all the police cars there, they one of the officers came and tapped on my window. I roll the window down as how can I help you officer? He looked at me. He looked in my car and he
Said your lights are not on. Now. I had just got one of those cars with the bright panels and it was a lit up in my car is like Vegas that I didn’t realize that my lights were not on, but that police
Officer, was afraid of me. I’ve never been in a fist fight, but he was that afraid of me that he waited for 4 other cars to come and give them support. As a black American man. I was incensed. But as a pastor, I had
Sympathy for that man because he did not know what he was going to encounter and he had to be very afraid of me, but very afraid in order to do what he did right. And so I think a goal of this
Commission is to be able to operate in that duality where you can identify with the marginalized, but also understand the critical. I’m very often life or death work. people in law enforcement have to commit to and then we have
To operate. And I believe is story behind a veil of ignorance right we ourselves. But we are not our cells and we can hear everything that’s happening. And then coming up, come together with solution. That best meets the goals of justice inequality and
Fairness. Thank Miss aren’t thank I wonder if the police knew that you were also frightened by that. If the police still remember that they also. >> Elicit fear in some of their constituents. And so just to to remind of the question, balancing people’s
Different experience where people are coming from their emotional ties to the police and their relationship with the police. And so to borrow from some famous words of the famous comedian Katt Williams, I cannot marry your experience with the police. So therefore,
I have to understand that wherever you are coming from, whatever experience you may or may not have had could be completely different from mine or it could be the same within one person myself as an example that tell a story too.
That’s just my 7 So when I was young, I in New York City was a big deal kind of from the South. They’re always cited New York not to take train. You know, but it it was a big deal. The lights and
Everything in New York police are like world renowned. Okay. So to me they are like famous. You know, marching in my PD little. I’m watching law and order and I’m like this is so they have a car. They’re standing outside the car.
They’re looking cool. I’m like at one with my friends who are of color and I’m like, what did you guys take a picture of me with the police, right? So this was like, what are you crazy? But from my experience
At that point, you all heard my story earlier. Life goes on. But at that point, I was like in thrall with the police. I was like they were they were like celebrities to me. They were there for me. I came from the community where
We knew the police officer at the rec center and all of these things. And so that was my. That was my experience at that time later in life. And I still have residual with the police lights. As you know, I was arrested, handcuffed. The
Police were not listening to me. All of a sudden I wasn’t heard these people that I’ve looked to respected, honored, revered. listening to me at all. That’s a totally different experience. And so having both of those experiences with and myself as
An individual and now being an attorney on top of that gives me the opportunity to recognize my stance is not your experience. And I have to be open completely years. Mind body spirit, soul to your experience in order to be able
To help you and to combine in to bring the social cohesion that we’re looking for with the police and the community. Thank you. Thank you, Mister. Javier Gonzales, thank you very much. You’re quite Public and particularly >> this country is it’s
Fraught in. I I think a lot of that has to do with art. They are traditions and customs of how we we conduct policing, particularly and in this modern age. the one thing that I took from my my personal experience in law enforcement
Is every time I ended up either supervising an arrest responding to a domestic disturbance. Is the compassion that I felt for the people I was dealing with because they were in crisis. that that was my experience. that’s experience that I took to
Public Safety Commission. When I reached the commission, I approach my work with an open mind and I must admit that I change my views on some the cases, some of the issues that we dealt with and I wasn’t quite comfortable with some of
Recommendations that were this caused. But we discuss collegiate collegiately and rationally and that help me understand. The different perspectives. And I also. I also ended up supporting a lot a lot of things that I initially I was a little bit.
I’m reluctant skeptical the other thing that I did was we try to build consensus realizing that what we have to do is come up with a set of recommendations, useful recommendations for you are foot for the for the council.
And so going to be the priority and trying to focus on trying to come up with a better cent recommendations that will have an impact law enforcement public safety and improving our community in addressing our goals racial equity. and so that’s what I
Want to do. And I will work diligently and try to come up with a better set of solutions. And I some of them, I will be very because I think I fully support some of them. I may be a little more
Skeptical, but in the end. I know that no one is perfect. and no one is all-knowing. So if we work as a team and fight to come, come up with the best product for you. Thank you. Thank you. Council percent.
Thank you all once again for applying to be a part of this commission. >> My question will also be the same as the last 4 panelists applicants. And and it’s constantly changing landscape of Montgomery County. >> You know, we we have a
Belief or now of the most diverse cities in the country. >> And we are a majority community of color. And as we’re looking towards the future and important the role and is the board members. There are. Many policy initiatives that have been
Implemented across the country that remain untapped and really excited to explore new policies and initiatives right here in Montgomery County. And so the new eager to hear about any policy initiatives that you would be beneficial to to Montgomery County. Should you
Be pointed to this new Commission? And we’re going to start with Reverend Bellamy. >> His handheld, I’ll be Thank you very much. I’m very as I’ve shared previously in models of community policing >> I live in Gaithersburg. I pastor in Rockville. We just
Purchased a house in Germantown some all over the 2.70, corridor. very perhaps because our county is largely suburban and and world very seldom do. I see police officers casually? A couple of coming together with members of the community. And so think
We need to research counties that are similar to ours that have been able to navigate space as you have shared our our county is very diverse. And it is very important that that every citizen every law enforcement officer as someone
Who is there to support having a peaceful community. I’m having a community where all of our children can thrive. To kind of dismiss the narratives that have been created behind the incidents is that it happened around the and also
It is it is crucial that, you know, the police officers have the opportunity to engage the citizens, you know, very often when you’re working with people and you are looking to half certainly goals to be met. It is easy to no longer
See the people S people. I can say that as a pastor, teachers have that issue. Anyone who works with people right. And so order to make it so that you we’re not just focusing on how many arrests have happened, how many tickets
Have happened? It needs to be the case where yes, the the the citizens need to see the police officers as you service of the community, people who are here supporting us. But we also want to make it so that the officers have the
Opportunity to see that these. More than data points. These are people that we’re here to serve, that these are mothers and fathers and children just like my own who deserve to have a great environment. And community policing will meet that goal. What kind of
Community policing for our context is the larger question. But I think that research can be done implement it. >> Thank you, Reverend. Missed the lane. >> Yes, I so I’m very interested community policing. And I think it’s probably something many communities
Mind right now is really that fact that we’re not familiar can be contributing to some of contentions between the police and the constituents of most specifically interested in that community policing interacting with recruitment and and you have to start
Somewhere, right? So I might never get rid of the residual I’ve had from my experience with the police. But the 4 year-old doesn’t have helpfully. Maybe I should start younger that the newborn I’m start with a newborn does not have an experience to
Relate to the police as of yet is a blank slate. We have to start somewhere. We cannot continue to say, well, the police have done now. This is the issue. This is the climate in this is how we’re just going to have to continue to
Roll with the punches. It doesn’t have to be that way. We can start with the younger generation and work this thing out. So to speak, right? It has the out is the same thing that education we can say, we’re behind But if we don’t
Start somewhere, we’re not interested in these 10 year calls for some reason. But we need to have these long-term outlook as to how we’re going to improve the relationship between the police and the constituents. There’s not going to be a single policy
That we’re going to put into place that will fix this relationship. This is an entire environment. Entire culture that that needs that will have to go through a grow and evolve and evolve of sort skews me and involve minutes
You know what I mean? What I’m saying to that we can take what we’re going to do today and expect to see that result tomorrow in order to create this community policing. We need to start with recruitment. People don’t want
To be police officers. Okay. And we know this and people with and marginalized communities especially don’t want to be police officers but we need them to be police officers. They need to be able to see each other. We need to
Be able to see ourselves and those who leading us, who are guiding us, who are protecting who are serving us. So you can’t just take a black person and put them in a police uniform and put them in a black neighborhood. You need
To also have training because there has to be that they’re to communicate with the neighborhood to learn how to build community. These things are not not necessarily in 8 being able to do this, but it will take time and over time,
I do believe that we will get to. from we can look back and say it was in this meeting that we can start the difference and the change. Thank you. Thank you. Mister Leane >> Mister Javier Gonzalez that thank you very Well,
Definitely, I believe in new community policing but I I. Different communities departments have implemented. policies. importance for me how does police department implement this policy is ensure that it part of the of the culture of the police. Not not just that directives, but
How we sit internalize by the police officers and how is that applied? So? I think this is a let’s mention before this is something that does not happen overnight. This is not. The fact that you pass a directive, are you a lot and
Things, you know, improve overnight? It has to be implemented and he has to be there has to be follow-on. So we need leadership and that’s on your part. But also within the police department. We need transparency and we were talking about that and how
Important that is. And we need accountability and accountability. That means the follow-up. So through that come that the period of the commission, we follow up on the issues that we dealt with before to make sure that there proper sent out. There is
Progress. And finally with we need to focus on and understand that the ultimate police efficiency is the absence crime, not the evidence police action. And that’s what should be our focus. And in the commission and use that a as guiding star
To our recommendations you. Thank you. Thank you. >> And last, but certainly not least Mister Stevens. that certainly at >> Be remiss if I didn’t have a story read a priest >> City policy. What need to start board for police officers, more frequent
Training. I. Or in the police academy to academy that our SWAT in Montgomery County, they go through their training once a month, county officers don’t have something like that once a month and because we’re so diverse, I think the frequency of our training we
Need to we need to increase that. My story would be before we did. This isn’t the kind me they took the training over there Gaithersburg where we put on the police asked gun and Taser and OK, John, your scenario is you’ve got the
Call that there’s been a shooting at this office building in, by the way, they haven’t been to. is yes, is beautiful. And I had a Montgomery County police officer with me and I had a city of Pittsburgh police officer was be and they said
Go. And my heart was beating. You rush the door. You people on the floor, you know, with the shooting. so you go around and you’re looking for, you know, you know, who has a gun. And I just I screen by police
And ran. And and, you know, the couple were was ready to stop and the it was even cost of over the wall. And there are people on the floor, you know, shot. So. So how intense that was. And they said, what
Did you police? I think because you had you know know, you you you’ve got vest on they know to call. You have to go. It’s lot to to with. John. So we go in there with same thing. I go back to I yelled
Police as read bedtime job why you would please. I do. I You know, going to begin with John. >> only got to the 3rd time. I believe I I’m saying that to say that’s me. Police like everybody else. They have issues. They have.
>> Trauma. They have a lot of things that happen. And are they going to always come and expose their fears to disappear probably not. They’re going work like everybody else and deal with it. And that has to be some assessments. We have to put
Some things into place and can’t just trust. I know that when we’re in our conversations, we had and a panel discussion was that the police supposed to be the brother’s keeper of those things. But, you know, if you see somebody could lose their
Job or something, going to protect them, what can we put in place that weekend? Assess what’s going with these officers mentally? What’s going on with their finances was going on with them domestically so that they’re not on the street under so
Much intense pressure and then out of wills over into a situation that we we do want to have in our county. So how can we put some policy in place that not only they’re getting more training physically mentally and some
Assessments that we can make sure that they’re OK so that we’re OK. Thank you all for your responses. >> All right. To close this out council I thank you, Mister Council president. And so I think Mister Kerry one side is a responded to this
Question and one of his responses and all of you touched on it at some But I just also want to express my appreciation for your coming forward and your willingness to serve and also the vulnerability you shown a in
Both the stories but it’s a it’s those stories that are really helped build the bridges that we expect and hope that you all will build. So my question is related to is a follow-up to Councilmember Cats question regarding outreach meeting the
Community where they are and I think one of the the challenge is particularly for certain segments of the population is even that’s not enough. And so what can we do? And that’s particularly true over immigrant population and within the immigrant population, particularly the
Population that has documentation challenges. And so what? What can you do? What do you think we should do to ensure that those voices are heard through your important commission as well? And I think we’re going to serve and missed filling.
>> Thank you, Yes, I mean, really, it’s about connecting with the leaders within that those communities. I would not even Phat fashion are fatty myself to think that I could speak on behalf of an immigrant community or speak directly to immigrant
Community, expect for them relate to New York to feel like we have a connection. That’s not a realistic type of thing. I’m not going to get anywhere. I want results. I want to be I want to be helpful. I want to resourceful
Useful. I want to create an environment of safety. so we wanted to do that. I have to connect with the leaders with and that community. And that’s what they’re there for. I mean, they have taken on that charge. so taking on that
Charge, I want to take that opportunity. take advantage of them. I want to use them in order for us to be the most successful and have the most effectiveness as a commission. Thank you. Thank you very I I. >> I grew up Washington
Heights in New York City. My my high school majority immigrant. It was a very population, from the Caribbean, Central America. But throughout and also from Europe and Asia and and Africa. I sent as an immigrant myself. The experience was
That my parents were not engage with the community and they were not what my father was. Catholic deacon. And so he was very active within the community. But in terms of my parents being able to advocate for me in in school, it was
Just incapable. They didn’t know how to do it. They have no model of it. And luckily, we all went to high school and eventually went on to college. That’s critical to understanding the difficulties that immigrants have end. Other sectors of our
Community. the importance is figuring out. Are we getting what we need from? Do we know what they’re feeling, what their problems are you know, I could say that I a native Speaker Spanish, an not only going to still Spanish, but
I’ve served in Central America and South America hurt every different accident in So I can even recognize it when they speak English. But the critical thing is figuring out are we getting what we need? I think a very important step to
Begin with. Yes, this reaching today, community leaders in each and every community and stab an honest dialogue and a sustained dialogue because only through sustained dialogue. Do you build that confidence where people can actually, you know, not only
Speak their mind, but also be able to express what they really feel. And when you have that confidence eventually it it, it comes out and and and then we learned based not just because we hear this from this person, but we know this
Person and so community leaders, I think are key and whenever possible engagement we can. Whether it you going to informal events and community I think that’s also helpful. Thank you. Thank you. I with. >> Mister said and just talk
Us as we have trust those of those communities. I Bigger to some of the things are going on in the community undocumented citizens. I know there’s a fear they’re not going to call the police, but I believe there are business
Owners that are trusted. And if we can. Relationships with those other leaders in those communities. So break they can speak to us and help us to know how to approach some of those citizens in those communities that are, you know, we palsy were fearful
For calling the police for. Not having a home or being separated from their families. So the sensitivity to Israel. And so if we can develop relationship with those stakeholders and those leaders that are in those communities, I think that helps us to
Better serve. Thank you. >> I agree with the sentiment that we need to connect with community stakeholders. I agree with the sentiment that we need to. You know, have community events. I wonder to what extent could we hold sessions where people could
Speak with anonymity >> at our church, we serve. On Tuesdays and Thursdays approximately 200 families that are in need of food. Most of them are immigrant families. What we have decided is that we will not ask for certain personal information.
They are hungry and the lower to the stuffy So we’re going to feed them. And analogous way. If these persons are living in Montgomery County, they deserve peace and safety. And so if there is a way that we could have, you know, them
Address their issues where they could come in person. But we can guarantee the anonymity. They can say hello, I live in this community. These are the issues that I’m having within the bounds of the law. I think that that needs to take place. Thank
You, colleagues thanks to each of our applicants. You really appreciate your willingness to serve in your commitment to be here. >> Today the clerk will be in touch with follow-up information after we’ve consulted. We have one additional final panel of
Interviewees this afternoon. So thank you very much for joining us. We’re going to move on to the next item on our agenda, which is action on item. 2 supplemental appropriation. 24 32, the Fy 24 operating budget. Montgomery County Government Office of Emergency
Management, Homeland Security COVID-19 FEMA contract support $300,000. I turn it over to chair Stewart to share the Joint Public Safety Committee recommendation of approval. Madam Chair, thank you. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Mister Howard and Rogen. for being here.
>> The county has been using contractual support to assist our Office of Emergency Services and Homeland Security. >> In successfully, I want to underscore successfully applying for reimbursement from FEMA for eligible COVID-19 related expenses expenses, the request we have
Before us today is tough and kind contractual services to include reviewing and compiling Dakin documents working with departments on writing justification for expensive expenses and reviewing expenses with FEMA. The executive notes that the $300,000 requested should be
Fully eligible for by FEMA. As we discussed in our joint session, the amount of money that we’ve already spent in contractual services has either been reimbursed or should be reimbursed in the new future near future the committees also and asked that
The council be notified both when there is a preliminary approval for reimbursement and when the county actually receives the reimbursement, all our committee members, I’m just expressed our gratitude to the office of Emergency Emergency Services and Homeland Security for their
Excellent work on And we asked that the council approved this appropriation. >> We have a joint committee recommendation. I don’t see to add anything without thorough explanation. Appreciate the director here as well with with Those in favor of approving the supplemental
Appropriation. 24 30, please raise your hand. Any opposed that passes unanimously with the committee recommendation of approval next week of action item number 3 supplemental appropriation. 24 23 to Fy 24 operating budget. Montgomery County government, Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service general personnel
Operating costs. The amount of $616,400 from designated fire fund reserves. A joint Public Safety Committee recommended approval chair Stewart. Could you please share the committee recommendation? Great. Thank you so much. I’m so our Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service provides EMS to
High school students. >> In prior this consistent of year, one of the fire training program and what fire and rescue services have been doing this year. Is adding on to the year one for year 2 for the fire. Just training component for the cadet
Training program. This necessitates a many more and more trainers. And so this supplemental appropriation is to allow us to extend that for the full training for the cadet training program and the unanimously approved the supplement. record recommends it to the council.
>> Appreciate that. I don’t see comments from Misrata Council staff. I don’t see any college wishing to speak so that all in favor of the committee recommendation of approval for the supplemental Appropriation. 24 30, please raise your hand. That is
Unanimous. Not known to pose. Okay. We’re going to move on to the final item this morning. The consent calendars or motion to approve the consent calendar. I moved by Councilmember Joe and a seconded by Councilwoman Cats by county by Councilmember sales. Excuse me,
>> was the guy. I was going to say the Gettysburg Connection. I was looking at you as I turned over. I’m glad Sally has joined it’s been a long moved by council member John Dennis seconded by Councilmember The council person from Gaithersburg. I’m
All in favor. Please raise your hands. Any oppose that passes We
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