Direct city manager to improve communication and counseling after police shootings
In Plain English
The city currently has no specific process for helping families and witnesses after police use deadly force. The council directed staff to create new rules for sharing information publicly and releasing body camera footage. A new counseling program would provide free therapy services for affected families and witnesses.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
3 to 4
Why This Vote Matters
A proposal to improve the city's response to police shootings and in-custody deaths failed in a divided 4-3 vote. The plan would have directed the city manager to create better communication protocols with the public, update rules for releasing body camera footage, and arrange counseling services for affected families and witnesses. Councilmembers Zepeda, Robinson, Brown, and Bana voted against the measure, while Mayor Martinez, and Councilmembers Jimenez and Wilson supported it. This marks a departure from the usual pattern, as all seven members typically support public safety measures with approval rates above 79%.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
DIRECT the city manager to work with Police Chief French and the Richmond Police Department (RPD) staff to update the existing RPD policy or create a new RPD policy to clearly prescribe the timing, frequency, and transparency of officer involved shooting (OIS) communications. The plan should include and make the following official policy: A maximum 24-hour window to issue the first press release; A minimum frequency (not more than every 30 calendar days) of communications whether or not there are new developments in the case or investigations. The first press release should include: Clear information regarding all agencies who will be involved in or conducting investigations; A clear overview of the sequence of investigations; A link to the Community Police Review Commission and a short explanation of their purpose; Information about how to access body cam footage under Assembly Bill 748; Information about how those directly affected by the incident can access support services. Any and all footage of an officer-involved shooting that is released should include only those edits and redactions that are necessary to protect privacy and safety as defined in California Government Code 7923.625. DIRECT the city manager to work with staff and consultant(s) to conduct an assessment of mental health services available in Richmond. This assessment would offer a set of recommendations for how the city can commit resources to improve access to mental health services by 1) increasing services, 2) addressing any other access barriers, and 3) improving outreach, especially to those undergoing crisis such as experiencing an OIS incident. The final project report with recommendations should be completed with six months of an executed consultant contract. This comprehensive plan, including the draft recommendations for all three directions, should come back to council within 45 days for review and vote for approval.
5 to 2
Why This Vote Matters
Richmond will require its police department to communicate with the public more frequently and transparently when officers shoot someone or a person dies in police custody. Under the new policy passed in a 5-2 vote, police must issue their first press release within 24 hours and provide regular updates at least every 30 days, even if there are no new developments. The policy also requires releasing body camera footage with minimal editing and connecting affected families to counseling services. Councilmembers Robinson and Martinez voted against the measure, though the specific reasons for their opposition were not stated. The council also directed staff to assess Richmond's mental health services and recommend improvements within six months, with the full plan returning to council for final approval in 45 days.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
DIRECT the city manager to work with Police Chief French and the Richmond Police Department (RPD) staff to update the existing RPD policy or create a new RPD policy to clearly prescribe the timing, frequency, and transparency of officer involved shooting (OIS) communications. The plan should include and make the following official policy: • A maximum 24-hour window to issue the first press release • A minimum frequency (not more than every 30 calendar days) of communications whether or not there are new developments in the case or investigations The first press release should include: • Clear information regarding all agencies who will be involved in or conducting investigations • A clear overview of the sequence of investigations • A link to the Community Police Review Commission and a short explanation of their purpose • Information about how to access body cam footage under Assembly Bill 748 • Information about how those directly affected by the incident can access support services Any and all footage of an officer-involved shooting that is released should include only those edits and redactions that are necessary to protect privacy and safety as defined in California Government Code 7923.625. DIRECT the city manager to work with staff and consultant(s) to conduct an assessment of mental health services available in Richmond. This assessment would offer a set of recommendations for how the city can commit resources to improve access to mental health services by 1) increasing services, 2) addressing any other access barriers, and 3) improving outreach, especially to those undergoing crisis such as experiencing an OIS incident. The final project report with recommendations should be completed with six months of an executed consultant contract. This comprehensive plan, including the draft recommendations for all three directions, should come back to council within 45 days for review and vote for approval.
5 to 2
Why This Vote Matters
Richmond will establish new rules for how the city communicates with the public after police shootings and in-custody deaths, following a 5-2 council vote. The policy requires police to issue their first press release within 24 hours of an incident and provide updates at least every 30 days, while also making body camera footage more accessible and connecting affected families with counseling services. Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda and Councilmember Jamelia Brown voted against the measure, marking a departure from their usual support for public safety items. The city manager must return with a comprehensive plan within 45 days and complete an assessment of Richmond's mental health services within six months.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
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