Explanation
This ordinance amends Chapter 1943, Prohibition on Hate Group Affiliation, in Columbus City Codes.
Title
To amend section 1943.04 of the Columbus City Codes to require existing officers to take an oath each time they receive a promotion that includes a prohibition for Division of Police sworn officers from affiliating with hate groups; to repeal existing section 1943.04 of the Columbus City Codes; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, affiliating with organizations that do not value the diversity of our community, specifically those that espouse and advocate divisive and prejudicial beliefs and objectives, and that espouse acts of violence and crime against a group of persons based on their race, ethnicity, nation, religion, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, is a direct violation of the Division of Police’s Code of Ethics; and
WHEREAS, the Oath for the Division of Police requires officers to faithfully support the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution and Laws of the State of Ohio, the Laws and Ordinances of the City of Columbus, and the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police; and
WHEREAS, officers are required to be sworn in under oath upon receiving a promotion with new duties; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of Columbus City Council, in that it is necessary to ensure that all officers who currently swear an oath for promotion are governed by this code section, for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. Section 1943.04 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby amended as follows:
1943.04 Directives to Division of Police
A. The Division of Police shall adopt policies that prohibit sworn officers of the Division of Police and employees of the Division of Police from affiliating with hate groups and shall disseminate those policies to all sworn officers and employees of the Division of Police.
B. The Division of Police shall adopt an Oath of Office to be administered to new officers at the time of swearing in and existing officers each time they receive a promotion that includes a prohibition for Division of Police sworn officers from affiliating with hate groups.
C. The Division of Police shall adopt policies to be incorporated in to the Rules of Conduct and Code of Ethics that prohibit sworn officers of the Division of Police from affiliating with hate groups.
Section 2. That existing section 1943.04 is hereby repealed.
Section 3. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.