Implement Hybrid Police Oversight Model and Citywide DEI Efforts

Following the May 25th, 2020, murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, race relations and police use of force policies have become a focus in communities across the country. To address requests from community members and start these conversations locally, the City hosted a community engagement and listening forum followed by community-led listening sessions. After hearing from and listening to the community, the City hired a professional facilitator and established an Ad Hoc Community Advisory Committee (AHCAC). The AHCAC’s purpose was to discuss race relations in Petaluma, make recommendations to the City Council to improve them, help bring the community together, identify opportunities for meaningful change, and promote inclusion in Petaluma. On April 4th, 2022, the City Council provided direction on the implementation of the City’s Council Priorities in response to the recommendations of the AHCAC. This top 10 goal is the implementation.

The first milestone, Develop and Issue Independent Police Auditor (IPA) Request for Proposal (RFP), has been completed. The draft RFP was presented to City Council on September 12^th. The second milestone, Select Independent Police Auditor, is in progress. Interviews are underway with consultants.