Racial Equity

Ongoing Work + Commitment

In November 2020, the City Council approved the purchase of new data collection software for the Police Department which will enable us to track and manage information related to training, officer complaints and compliments, disciplinary actions, demographic data for traffic stops and pedestrian checks and more. This will allow for greater transparency for reporting to the public, but will also provide early warning if something needs further investigation. The software is expected to be operational by spring of 2021.

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The meeting presentations below share details about our existing policies and ongoing efforts to ensure those policies are put into practice.

Worksession on Related Policies and Data

August 26, 2020 – 6:30 p.m. (Virtual)

Watch or read our discussion of Mission Police Department policies related to use of force, transparency (e.g., right to film), racial profiling, duty to intervene, de-escalation, and more. The presentation also included specific data on the Department’s use of force, complaints received (including investigation process), and demographic statistics reflective of Department activity over the last 10 years.

• Meeting Agenda and Packet
• Meeting Recording

Worksession on Police Hiring and Training, Accountability and Transparency

September 2, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)

Watch or read our discussion of the hiring processes and the training requirements for Mission’s Police Officers. The presentation also included a review of existing processes, systems and structures which exist at the City, the County and State levels which promote accountability and transparency in law enforcement, and how to make information on the same more readily available to the public.

• Meeting Materials and Slide Presentation
• Meeting Recording (Topic begins at 44:30)

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Learn More about Broader Efforts within the City

There is work happening outside of the context of the Police Department. Learn more about what we’re doing and how to get involved here.

In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, city leaders publicly condemned the actions of the Minneapolis officers and reminded our community that this incident was:

 “A painful reminder that fighting against racial inequity and social injustice in our communities must continually be a high priority. As local government leaders and public safety professionals, we have a responsibility to the people in our city, not only to keep them safe, but also to keep the lines of communication open so that concerns and issues can be addressed in ways where all voices are heard and understood.

The recent protests and outcry in response to the senseless and unnecessary death of George Floyd have highlighted the ongoing need for dialogue and action surrounding issues of race and inequity in our communities. We sadly must acknowledge that systemic racism remains an entrenched problem across the United States, including, but by no means limited to, in policing. As local elected leaders, it is incumbent upon us to stand with those demanding accountability, equity and respect to recognize the humanity and dignity of every person.”

But public statements are not the end of Mission’s commitment to this work, they are just the beginning. Mission’s call to action acknowledges that we are not immune from implicit bias, and understands that in order to advocate for racial justice, equity, and inclusion it will require an inward look at not only our operations, but our policy decisions and how we govern. We also recognize that this reflection must be ongoing and may introduce us to uncomfortable or unfamiliar conversations, but we stand ready and willing to begin the process of educating ourselves through a comprehensive and ongoing review of policies, practices, and sustained dialogue to ensure that all members of our community are protected equally, and we extend an open invitation to everyone in the community to join with us in this important work.

Please check back to the website for updated information as these conversations and initiatives unfold. We invite you to join us in any way you feel comfortable, and we look forward to the work we will do together moving forward.

Learn more about how the Mission Police Department’s policies align with the “8CantWait” effort. Complete copies of relevant policies are available upon request to the Department.