Public Safety Review

Background

In response to numerous community requests, City Council held a Special Meeting on June 15, 2020 for the purpose of hearing from the public on Police Department policies and budget. After significant public comment, City Council authorized the Mayor to sign Former President Barack Obama’s Mayor’s Pledge (“Pledge”). The Pledge commits mayors, city councils and police oversight bodies to the following actions:

• Review police use of force policies.
• Engage communities by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories in the review.
• Report the findings of the review to the community and seek feedback.
• Reform the police use of force policies.

City Council also received substantial feedback from the community on the allocation of police resources. There was an overwhelming number of comments from all aspects of the issue of redistributing police services and responsibilities.

Culver City Police Operations and Data Analysis Report

The City of Culver City contracted with the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM), as part of the public safety review process, to conduct a workload and deployment analysis of the Culver City Police Department, review its staffing levels and organizational structure, and provide recommendations for industry best practices related to core police functions. 

CPSM's Culver City Police Operations and Data Analysis Report is now available online(PDF, 8MB). 

Additionally, the City retained Mr. Saul Sarabia to examine racial equity as it relates to public safety. Mr. Sarabia's final report is anticipated to be finalized and released to the public in early January.  Both reports will be presented at the January 25, 2021 City Council Meeting for discussion and direction to staff. 

Background - City Council Discussion

City Council approved at its July 13, 2020 meeting two proposed processes related to public safety: 1) a plan to review and reallocate public safety resources, services and budgets and 2) a review of the police department’s use of force policy. 

The City Manager’s Office will review the Culver City Police Department Policy 300 and 301 with the City’s Government Alliance on Race and Equity team (also known as GARE) and the Chief Advisory Panel. Community feedback will also be solicited through listening sessions and a public survey.  Upon conclusion of the process, the findings will be brought back to City Council for review of any proposed revisions and for further direction. 

City Council also discussed and approved the framework to re-imagine police services. Council provided broad guidance on the project which included an aspirational 50% budget reduction goal, an internal group working with consultants, and incorporating members of the Chief Advisory Panel, the Finance Advisory Committee, the General Plan Advisory Committee and the GARE team to develop recommendations for City Council’s consideration within the next 90 days.  A copy of the Staff Report is available online.