Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate and spend $19,565.06 within the Public Safety Initiative subfund for the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, in order to allow the Division of Police to participate in a study led by the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, a part of the Appalachian Law Enforcement Initiative, that uses virtual reality to study police responses to various scenarios.
The Ohio University study will take police officers through various law enforcement scenarios virtually and study reactions. This program is designed for law enforcement to improve empathy and outcomes when working with the public. The funding will be used to support CPD's engagement in the study, which will survey law enforcement before and after the simulation to determine if attitudes change.
The larger Appalachian Law Enforcement Initiative brings together law enforcement officers, community stakeholders, and public administrators in a collaboration to reduce the use of force, teach de-escalation techniques, and improve law enforcement outcomes for both the community and police. This project helps to promote the mission of reimagining public safety by helping prepare law enforcement for difficult to navigate situations without the use of force. In addition, the program also promotes mindfulness for officers when it comes to communicating with the public, specifically with communities of color.
Columbus City Council is supporting CPD’s participation in this project with $19,565.06 from the Public Safety Initiative subfund.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total appropriation is $19,565.06 and is available in the 2021 budget within the Public Safety Initiative subfund, Fund 1000-100016.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested in order to receive the funds in time to participate in the project.
Title
To authorize the appropriation and expenditure of $19,565.06 in the Public Safety Initiative subfund for the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police, to participate in the Appalachian Law Enforcement Virtual Reality Training Initiative; and to declare an emergency. ($19,565.06)
Body
WHEREAS, reimagining public safety has been a joint effort between Columbus City Council, Mayor Ginther, and the Department of Public Safety, Division of Police; and,
WHEREAS, this ordinance allows for the continuation of that effort, through Columbus Division of Police participation in a project conducted by Ohio University to study law enforcement officers in virtual reality scenarios; and,
WHEREAS, this program study is being conducted to aid in reducing use of force, teaching de-escalation techniques, and improving law enforcement outcomes for both the community and police; and,
WHEREAS, funding is available within the Public Safety Initiative subfund for this purpose; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of City Council, in that it is immediately necessary to appropriate funding to the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, so that the Division may receive funds in time to participate in the project, thereby preserving the public peace, property, health, safety, and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1: That $19,565.06 is hereby appropriated within Fund 1000-100016 Public Safety Initiative subfund per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That the Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $19,565.06 to the Department of Public Safety within the Public Safety Initiative subfund in object class 02-Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $19,565.06, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in the Public Safety Initiative subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100016 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance
SECTION 4: 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.