In early 2019, the Vancouver Police Department was involved in four officer-involved shootings within a four-week period
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Police Department officials state that they are constantly looking at ways to improve how the department conducts business as they seek opportunities to implement best practices through policies, training and procedures so that the department is providing the best possible service to the community.
In early 2019, the Vancouver Police Department was involved in four officer-involved shootings within a four-week period. The unusual number of incidents in a short timeframe drew significant public attention. In an effort to address community concerns, and to ensure that the department policies and training practices are meeting the highest standards, a decision was made to bring in a third party consultant to review department policies around use of force.
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has been contracted to conduct this study. PERF is a nonprofit national law enforcement membership organization that has, over the past 40 years, conducted over 250 comprehensive management studies of law enforcement agencies across the United States and is recognized as a national leader in the field of use of force and police accountability.
PERF representatives will be in Vancouver for their first onsite visit the week of Sept. 9 and will be meeting with a cross-section of department personnel, elected officials, representatives from the Chief’s Diversity Advisory Team and community members. The Police Department has acknowledged the community’s expressed desire to participate in this process, and have set aside time for this to occur.
The community participation forum, which is open to the general public, will be held:
Date: Wed., Sept. 11, 2019
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Clark College Foster Hall Auditorium (1933 Fort Vancouver Way)
This forum will provide the PERF representatives the opportunity to hear from the general public, as well as members of the Chief’s Diversity Advisory Team who will also be invited to attend.
For more information on PERF visit: https://perf.memberclicks.net/.
For more information on the Use Of Force Study visit: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/police/page/vancouver-police-use-force-policy-study
Information provided by Vancouver Police Department.
