Thread by @CHThiem

I'm at a Boulder Police Department community forum and might do a thread.

'2020 Disruptions in Policing', for your consideration:

Chief Herold's comments on police legitimacy reference only the aftermath of the George Floyd murder.

Data on calls for service show how many health, welfare, and neighbor issues are being referred to police:

A lot of the crime report is repeating the presentation given to City Council last week. Shay's highlights from that are here:

https://twitter.com/shayshinecastle/status/1333991269148725248

As BPD reviews burglary and theft statistics, constant reminders that most of these crimes are preventable.

Bike theft is a current focus for police. Officers are receiving advice on how/when to respond to suspected theft. There was a graphic here that I could not read/capture, sorry.

A little boasting for the audience? BPD is sweeping campsites 2x/week, has issued 144 camping ban citations and 360 trespassing citations (for camping) this year.

Community questions: Can you describe a typical clean-up at an encampment?

Chief Herold: Notice given, services offered, at the end of day, removal and citation if necessary. Conditions at many encampments require hazmat response. Addiction, mental health issues, and evidence of criminal activity common.

Follow-up question on what happens when campsites are re-established. Herold expects City Council to discuss this in January. This is not just a policing issue.

Next question: Will a COVID vaccine allow BPD to resume 'normal' arrest/jail practices?

Herold hopeful, but notably doesn't mention where incarcerated people currently stand in Colorado's vaccination priority line.

That's in the back, ICYMI:

https://twitter.com/alex_burness/status/1336772467235414022?s=20

Herold now explaining current capacity limitations at the Boulder County Jail. Does not disagree w/Sheriff Pelle on these policies.

BPD has tried to get other jurisdictions to accept inmates, but nobody is taking them. Extraditions to other states are also on hold.

Audience question (in Spanish, we've got a translator) about how budgets will affect policing in 2021. Herold is talking about policing smarter. But IIRC police is the one city department *not* in a budget crisis next year...

Q: What kind of implicit bias training are police receiving? Herold wants evidence-based training - does it achieve what it's meant to.

Q: What is your role as chief in improving relationship w/POC, and what are the barriers to progress there?

Herold citing her background in community policing. Values dialogue and transparency. Sharing things like use-of-force data, stats on other activities that 'rub people wrong'.

Audience question about women in policing. About 25% of BPD officers are women, and nationally women are rising in the ranks. But recruiting trends are *down*. Herold concerned: "Women police differently".

Final question: When should people call the police? Essentially always, says Herold. When in doubt..."It's not a bother". The police will prioritize calls. But they want the data on what concerns people. Which brings us back to:

https://twitter.com/CHThiem/status/1337174167603441670?s=20

That's the end, though these meetings - and many of the talking points, based on what I've heard - will be a regular thing. As the Chief said several times during the hour, 'stay engaged' folks!