IOWA CITY, IOWA – On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the Iowa City Council passed a 17-point resolution addressing systemic racism and law enforcement policies in the wake of Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Iowa City and across the country.
The entire resolution can be read online. The 17 points addressed by this resolution are:
– By Dec. 15, 2020, have a preliminary plan to restructure the Iowa City Police Department towards community policing.
– Allocate $1,000,000 in City funds to promote racial equity and social justice.
– Expanding efforts to increase the number of minorities employed by the City.
– Receive a report by Aug. 1, 2020, from the City Manager’s office on the ICPD’s involvement in the use of gas and flash-bang devices during the protest in Iowa City on June 3, 2020.
– Create an ad hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission to carry out restorative justice on racial injustice in the City by Oct. 1, 2020.
– Change 2021 City Council’s legislative priorities to advocate for more criminal justice reform and enhance the authority of the Community Police Review Board.
– Expand use of City’s racial equity toolkit to City Council and local business partners.
– By Jan. 1, 2021, receive a report and recommendations on changes to the Community Police Review Board.
– Provide a detailed expenditure summary of the police budget on the City’s website.
– Support divestment of Johnson County Sheriff Office’s MRAP vehicle and obtain a report on military grade equipment owned by ICPD.
– Direct City Manager to ban any use of chokeholds by police.
– Direct City Manager to ensure officers working in Iowa City have not committed serious misconduct.
– Review and revise ICPD’s Body Worn Cameras and In-Car Recorder systems.
– Revise ICPD’s general orders to require officers to intervene and stop excessive force.
– Work with Public Art Advisory Committee and Black artists to provide opportunities for artistic expression by the Black Lives Matter movement and communities of color.
– Prohibit the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs against peaceful protesters.
– Beginning in 2021, Juneteenth, June 19, shall be a City holiday.
