Thread by @ChrisDunkerLJS

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird now at the podium: "To say that we are living in unprecedented and challenging times is an understatement."

In addition to COVID-19, Americans are now being called to address "the pandemic of racism."

"I am struck by the courage displayed by many of our residents and public servants to be vulnerable in the face of those with whom they disagree," she says.

Approaching the moment "with humility" and an open ear, Gaylor Baird says she does not have all of the answers, but has a part to play in finding solutions to address the issues raised by BLM.

Lincoln Police prioritize building trust with the community, and want to collaborate with the city in their mission to "serve and protect," LGB says.

LPD has spent 1,000+ hours in community events during COVID-19, she adds.

Mayor is touting police's efforts to get to know community members across the city, and several of the programs that allow them to do that.

"Our police officers are engaging in community events every day," she says.

LGB says in conversations with Black Lincolnites, she has learned feelings of distrust persist here, despite police efforts to build relationships with the community.

Many have told her about "the talk" they have to avoid being arrested or killed by police.

"We are being called upon to acknowledge and address painful truths about what it means to be Black in America," LGB says. "This is not a time to pick a side, but to form a circle."

She urges the community to work together to listen and find truths.

A young Black man and a LPD officer both independently envisioned #LNK as a potential model for the rest of the country when it comes to community policing at recent peaceful protests and community talks, she said.

LGB says LPD is trying to improve its use of force or use of control. The department is conducting a mid-year, expedited review of its policies this year after many citizens have called for such action.

On June 30, LPD will publish potential revisions to Gen. Order 1510, its use of force guidelines, for public comment.

The Citizens Police Advisory Board will review the revisions in July, plus the community feedback, to develop its recommendations.

The goal is to build a police force that supports the vision for true justice and peace in the community, LGB says.

Mayor also announces a $54 million redevelopment plan for the Pershing Block, to include low income housing, retail, an apartment complex and parking.

Dan Marvin of the city development office, says the Omaha-based White Lotus Group proposal also includes a proposal for child care, coffee shop, and 100 living units.

It's designed to revitalize the Centennial Mall area, Marvin says.

So, the announcement today was

1. A review underway of the city's use of force policy
2. Development of the Pershing block.

Q: Is the mayor putting forward any recommendations for the police advisory board?

A: I'm involved in the process and working with LPD to examine policies recommended, but this is an expertise in policing operations that needs to be reviewed by experts.

Q: Did you see anything in police response to protest that was troubling?

A: We didn't like what we saw when people with ulterior motives infiltrated the groups and caused chaos, but we rapidly evolved.

Q: What about rubber bullets and dogs?

A: What I learned that week was that the presence of people in riot gear can escalate the situation. We tried to move away from that. They had never seen anything like that.

"I think everyone feels a lot better where we are today than where we were on those calamitous nights," LGB says.

Rubber bullets can cause a lot of harm, and she's glad they moved beyond that and are working with protesters to voice their concerns.

Q: Will there be a policy revision that allows disciplinary actions against police become public?

A from Chief Bliemeister: That's a discussion moving forward. It sounds like a collective bargaining agreement is preventing some of that from being released.

Q: What about defunding the police and strengthening other departments?

A: That phrase means a lot of different things to different people. There is money being put into mental health initiatives and others. Right now, police will respond if 911 is called.

Q: Are there areas of police policy you feel are needing updated?

Bliemeister: I do have suggestions, those will be brought forward to police advisory board, and there will be an opportunity for public comment.

He doesn't give specifics.

Bliemeister says "less than lethal" munitions are supposed to be focused on acts of aggression that are occurring to other members of the crowd or acts of aggression to our officers or in response to damage.

Chief says they are evaluating the use of those munitions as well as training for how they are used "even this morning."

Q: Any consideration dropping curfew violation charges against protesters?

A: We are reviewing options, including offering pardons. "But the flip side," there were a lot of folks who abided by the curfew.

"What we want to do is be able to move forward," LGB says.

And that's it.

I guess we'll find out a week from today what the proposed revisions are to LPD's use of force policies.