Strategies for Improving Police Performance
Austin and Hyde Park/Kenwood/Oakland
Getting there first has its benefits; bringing the community has power.
Last night CANA members arrived at the monthly Police Board meeting a half hour early to claim what has always been available to us at the Police Board meeting: the front row. We were surprised to find that not only the front row, but the entire south section, was filled by people other than CANA members.
As the time progressed toward the 7:30 pm start time, the room continued to fill. We had seen even larger numbers before. That room had held as many as 300 attendees, but few, if any, would speak.
However, there seemed to be a different buzz in the room last night. Each set of residents arriving seemed to know and connect with the others in attendance.
When the meeting started, we were prepared to employ the tactics through which CANA had gained so much response from the Police Department. CANA members would read a prepared statement and pose a set of questions. All the other CANA members would stand in support while that person spoke. Our numbers reached 15 and we enjoyed the full attention of the Police Board.
Last night, one person from the Hyde Park/Kenwood/Oakland, the fourth ward, read a statement, and 150 people stood up to support that statement. That move set the whole Police Board Meeting off its usual structured course. Rules were jettisoned and a new trajectory was set.
People who had not signed up one day advance, as required by Police Board rules, were allowed to speak, ask questions, and talk for longer than the stated limit of 2 minutes. They began to provide suggestions on conducting the meeting as a hearing for their concerns only.
Fortunately, CANA did have the opportunity to present. In summary, we expressed the following:
- Failure of the police to deal effectively deal with quality of life crimes has led to an increase in the number and severity of crimes being committed
- Running gun battles are now being played out on our streets
- Drug turf wars are taking place for the right to sell
- Dead body found in alley
- Requested information on how long the additional police will be on the street, how their effectiveness will be measure
- Inquired about how they will measure the effectiveness of their new stated emphasis and tactics to address the quality of life crimes
Immediately following our presentation, attention went back to the other group. The Oakland area has experienced 8 murders since April of this year. They were there to express their outrage at what they perceived as the failure of the police, to demand immediate attention to the problems, and to identify all responsible parties. They were there to report, in their view, an unprecedented increase in violence in an area that in unaccustomed to such activity and has been known for peace and quiet .
Their alderman, newly elected to the fourth ward, Ken Burns, was there in support of their effort and concern. He made a detailed presentation of his work on the problems and his plans going forward.
The Deputy Chief of police for their area was in attendance as well as the police commanders for the areas. They stayed after the formal meeting concluded to meet with the members of that community.
Being the first has benefits. Bringing the masses has power. The fourth ward has set a new bar to capturing the attention of the Police Board.
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There is no one solution to the problems in Austin. We have to work on all fronts and we must increase our participation in finding the solutions.
