Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate $150,000.00 to the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, for purchase of uniform accessories necessary to facilitate display of officer names and badge numbers.
Following the 2020 protests in reaction to the murder of George Floyd, as well as the subsequent investigations into police conduct, the Division of Police, Mayor Ginther, and Columbus City Council placed a priority on the ability to identify officers during protest or riot duty. This ordinance will assist in that effort by providing additional funding to the Division of Police for uniform accessories that will allow officers to affix their names and badge numbers to any necessary uniform. Efforts to reimagine public safety in Columbus include the ability to 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.
This ordinance will appropriate $150,000.00 within the Reimagine Safety subfund, and authorize the transfer, appropriation, and expenditure within the general fund.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total appropriation is $150,000.00 and is available in the 2022 budget within the Reimagine Safety subfund, Fund 1000-100019.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested in order to immediately provide funding for the outfitting of police officers for the safety, health, and welfare of the residents of Columbus.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $150,000.00 in the Reimagine Safety subfund to the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police, for the purchase of uniform accessories necessary to facilitate display of officer names and badge numbers; to authorize a ...
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