Does any step in the hiring process actively seek out information on and take into account verbal indications, social ties, examples of extremism, or biases that the applicant has demonstrated or has been said to have demonstrated in the past by others?
By the time a use of force policy comes into play, it is often the case that many systems have already failed to create an environment in which all people, regardless of race, are allowed to flourish. Keeping in mind that the City's budget is zero sum, can you discuss you stances on defunding the police in favor of aggressively investing in our community? Thanks!
With only 300 violent crimes, but nearly 50,000 police initiated interactions, how do you collect data and then use that data to ensure that there is not bias? If you are doing so currently, then recognizing that failure, given that 18.4% of the cities population is black, but they are 28% of traffic stops and 46% of use of force incidents according to their own data outlined for year 4 of the CALEA report they paid for to be done. How will you fix that and how will you do so in a transparent and accountable way?
Chuck Jenkins has consistently proven himself to be one of the most abhorrently racist Sheriffs in the country. His tenure has included everything from statistically-provable systemic racism, fighting to keep documents from being printed in languages other than English, and just 2 weeks ago saying "All Lives Matter" when confronted by his constituents about police brutality.
What has Sheriff Jenkins done that would make communities of color, or any non-racist community for that matter, trust his leadership?
In 2013 three Frederick police officers killed Ethan Saylor, a man with Down syndrome, over a $10 movie ticket. Rich Rochford, one of those officers, still works for the Frederick Police Department. Why should we accept that he's paid to protect us after this heinous act?
How could the budget for explosives, tear gas, and other military type objects be better used to promote mental health, stable housing and jobs, etc?
Will you commit to outlawing dangerous and illegitimate use of chokeholds, tear gas, and military gear? Will you commit to defunding the police AND reinvesting in our communities?
What is the relationship between the Frederick City PD and Frederick County PD. Do they follow the same guidelines and rules? Are they funded by the same budgets?
What is FPD's policy on police disciplinary records? Is there a way for the public to access officer records so they can hold elected officials accountable with respect to police oversight?