Title
Consideration of Citizen Petition Related to Studying Impact of Police Department's Body-Worn Camera Expansion and Early Intervention System on Officer-Involved Shootings
Description
This report provides the City Council with information in response to a citizen petition submitted by Ms. Joanne Scott Woods at the July 5, 2018, Formal City Council meeting regarding the initiation of a study to determine the impact of the Police Department's body-worn camera expansion and early intervention system on the number of officer-involved shooting incidents (Attachment A).
Report
Summary
The petitioner requests the City Council consider having the Police Department partner with Arizona State University's (ASU) Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety to conduct a longitudinal study tracking the effects of the Police Department's body-worn camera expansion and early intervention system on the annual number of officer-involved shooting (OIS) incidents.
Staff has reviewed the petition and will consider the study referenced by the petitioner. Staff appreciates Ms. Woods input and shares her perspective regarding the value research has on the development of sound police policies and overall best practices. The Police Department and ASU have a long history of partnering on law enforcement-related research. With the ongoing need to further expand the knowledge-base associated with current and emerging law enforcement issues, the Police Department and ASU are currently moving forward on an agreement to have a professor from the University assigned to the Police Department's staff. This innovative measure will make it possible for the Police Department to have research performed on important policing issues under the guidance and expertise of an on-site research professional. Findings from studies conducted will aid the Police Department in its ongoing efforts to improve overall safety and service to the community.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Police Department.