Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to enact new Chapter 1916 in the Columbus City Codes, pertaining to identification of division of police officers while on duty.
Since the protests surrounding the murder of George Floyd in Summer 2020, as well as increases in violent crime, City Council has worked with Mayor Ginther, the Department of Public Safety, and the Columbus Division of Police on reimagining public safety in the City of Columbus. Council and the administration have introduced several new programs and policies to modernize police functions and decrease violence. In response to numerous complaints regarding police misconduct during protest events, criminal and administrative investigations were launched into these events. Many of these incidents were too difficult to investigate given the inability to identify parties involved. The Division of Police has enacted several reforms since, including the purchase of new body worn cameras that can be affixed to uniforms worn by police specifically during such events.
In addition, Council is introducing this new Chapter of City Code, which will mandate the affixing of officer names and badge numbers to alternative uniforms, as well as reaffirming the current police directives to have officers identifiable while on duty, with very limited exceptions. It also mandates the need for officers to identify themselves to members of the public, with limited exceptions. This will allow future investigations to hold the proper individuals accountable, while also protecting police officers from misidentification in criminal, civil, and administrative cases. With these and other initiatives, Council continues to work with City partners to modernize law enforcement and improve our accountability and response to the residents of Columbus.
Title
To enact new Chapter 1916 of the Columbus City Codes, pertaining to identification of police officers while on duty.
Body
WHEREAS, since the protests surro...
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