Columbus Policing

Leaders in Columbus are talking about "policing." the virtual town hall set to begin at 5:30 comes in light of a judge dismissing a manslaughter charge against a former Columbus police officer.

First at five.

Leaders in columbus are talking about "policing."

The virutal town hall set to begin at 5:30 comes in light of a judge dismissing a manslaughter charge against a former columbus police officer.... as well as the events in minnesota.

Our quentin smith joins us from outside the muncipal complex.

He joins us live with more on what we can expect tonight... aundrea.... this group will be discussing key issues such as the police department's use of force policy.... as well strengthening community relations.... since that officer involved shooting nearly five years ago... city leaders and police have worked hard to restore trust within the community.... and tonight... they're looking to continue building on that trust.... this is the motion circuit judge lee coleman signed dismissing charges against former columbus police officer canyon boykin in the shooting death of ricky ball in 2015.

It's a decision that's led to protests... nat and isand is now prompting columbus police chief fred shelton to address concerns many people have when it comes to policing....includin g the department's use of force policy.

" we want the public to know that our job, and according to our policy, we use the minimum amount of force necessary."

The chief says the policy does not include using neck restraints, choke holds, or any use of lethal force.

" the first level of force is officer presence, the next is verbal commands, empty hand techniques, and then we go into tasers, which are alternatives to using deadly force."

In light of recent police brutality throughout the u.s, shelton wants to implement a new policy called... 'duty to intervene' " and what that means is that if i as an officer sees another officer doing something regardless of rank, if i see him doing something that is harmful to a citizen or that is out of line or out of control or that is excessive use of force, i have an obligation to intervene, and if that officer does not he will be disciplined appropriately according to policies and procedures."

Another way shelton plans to continue creating trust and transparency is through a body camera policy... officers are required to wear body camera every time they respond to a call..... the department uses the footage as a training opportunity.

"supervisors take about three of their officers randomly, and just go through their videos that they recorded for that day, just to see how they are interacting and if they are following policies and procedures at the police department has."

"we do support the police, but we also support the community."

Dr. steven james is the chairman of the police overview committee...which was created after the 2015 officer involved shooting.

He says continuing to have honest conversations.... along with city and community leaders working together to resolve key issues going on... are a few ways to strengthen trust among residents.

" yes everything is done through transparency and everything is put on the table, i believe most people are reasonable and they feel like if all of the evidence is put out there and everybody knows what's going on, i really don't think he will have a problem with most people.

It's only when it seems like there is a cover-up that people get up in arms about things" shot tag the virtual town hall meeting starts at 5:30 tonight.

The mayor, police chief, district attorney, and representatives with the justice for ricky ball organization....are a few who'll be speaking tonight.

Due to the coronavirus the public is not allowed to attend the event... instead you can stream it on online by going to the mayors facebook page.