Title
Third-Party Assessment of Phoenix Police Department Demonstration and Protest Response (Ordinance S-47415)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with 21CP Solutions, LLC to provide a comprehensive and independent assessment of the Phoenix Police Department’s (PPD) Tactical Response Unit's training and response to First Amendment-related activities, including but not limited to demonstrations and protests. The comprehensive and independent assessment will also focus on the PPD's Field Training Officer program. The aggregate contract value will not exceed $250,000. Further request the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Phoenix Police Department has an immediate and critical operational need to conduct a comprehensive and independent review of the department's response to First Amendment-related activities, including but not limited to protests and demonstrations. An essential function of the Phoenix Police Department is to ensure public safety while protecting the right to assemble and protest. Several recent incidents have demonstrated gaps where the Phoenix Police Department can improve its ability to perform this essential function. This is a challenge that has been identified in numerous local police departments across the United States. As a result, local law enforcement entities have sought to improve their responses to protests and demonstrations by engaging with independent experts to conduct a comprehensive review of practices and policies, actively solicit stakeholder feedback and community input, and provide recommendations for improvement. Specific policies and procedures that require an independent review include the Downtown Operations Unit and the Tactical Response Unit's training and practices used for protests, public demonstrations and critical incidents.
The Phoenix Police Department also has an immediate need for an independent review to analyze the effectiveness of the Field Training Officer (FTO) program. This analysis will include the selection process of FTO's, training, instruction, education as well as policies and procedures of the FTO program.
The goal of the third-party, independent review is to develop a detailed report of findings and recommendations for a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) that addresses both the Phoenix Police Department's response to First Amendment-related activities and the FTO program.
Procurement Information
In accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, an alternative method of competition was used in lieu of normal competition as a result of a Special Circumstance Determination Memo citing the immediate and critical operational need to conduct a comprehensive and independent review of the department's response to First Amendment-related activities. Based on the Finance Department's analysis, 21CP Solutions, LLC was deemed to be a responsive and responsible offeror with extensive experience in reviewing large city police departments’ responses to First Amendment-related activities and the capacity to respond quickly. The Deputy Finance Director recommends the proposal from 21CP Solutions, LLC be accepted.
Contract Term
The contract term is six months, with one additional six-month option to extend, and will begin on or about March 18, 2021.
Financial Impact
The aggregate contact value will not exceed $250,000. Funds are available in the Police Department's budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Jeff Barton and the Finance Department and recommended by City Manager Ed Zuercher.