HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-29-2020 Minutes City Council Study Session
June 29, 2020 - 5:30 PM
CITY OF * Virtual
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Deputy Mayor DaCorsi called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street in Auburn.
II. Virtual Participation Link
A. Virtual Participation Link
The City Council Meeting was held virtually in the Council Chambers.
B. Roll Call
Councilmembers virtually present: Deputy Mayor Claude DaCorsi, Bob
Baggett, Larry Brown, James Jeyaraj, Robyn Mulenga, Chris Stearns and
Yolanda Trout-Manuel.
Mayor Nancy Backus and the following department directors and staff
members were present: Innovation and Technical Support Specialist
Danika Olson, Director of Innovation and Technology David Travis,
Assistant Police Chief Mark Caillier, Patrol Commander Cristian Adams,
Sergeant James Frith, Chief of Police Dan O'Neil and City Clerk Shawn
Campbell.
The following department directors and staff members attended the
meeting virtually: City Attorney Dan Heid, Assistant Director of Innovation
and Technology Ashley Riggs, Director of Human Resources and Risk
Management Candis Martinson and Director of Public Works Ingrid Gaub.
III. PRESENTATIONS
A. Police Presentation (O'Neil)(90 Minutes)
Chief O'Neil introduced Assistant Chief Caillier, Sergeant Frith and
Commander Adams. He provided a brief explanation of their presentation
covering, Use of Force, Vascular Neck Restraint (VNR), Eight Can't Wait
and the Use of Force Continuum.
Sergeant Frith and Commander Adams presented Council with information
on the Vascular Neck Restraint (VNR). Sergeant Frith explained how the
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VNR technique works by reducing the amount of force needed to restrain
someone and it typically shows a reduction of use of force complaints and
injuries. He discussed the difference between the VNR, which restricts the
flow of blood to and from the brain and a chokehold, which restricts the
airway. He reviewed the test data on the effects of VNR and explained the
different types of use of force that would be needed if the VNR was not an
option. He also reviewed legal and medical opinions on VNR.
Sergeant Frith and Commander Adams reviewed the Auburn Police
Officers Department Vascular Neck Restraint policy, which requires
passing a written test, a physical test and completing continuing education
courses annually. He reviewed the requirements of who can and cannot
have the VNR technique used on them and medical staff must clear
anyone who has been rendered unconscious.
Chief O'Neil reviewed the 8 Can't Wait plan, including banning chokeholds
and strangleholds, required de-escalation, required warning before
shooting, requires officers to exhaust all alternatives before shooting, duty
to intervene when excessive force is being used by other officers, ban
shooting at moving vehicles, require use of force continuum and require
comprehensive reporting. He advised Council that every Auburn patrol
vehicle has an in car video and officers who do not operate patrol vehicles
are equipped with body cameras. He also reviewed the force incidents for
the past 5 years.
Sergeant Frith and Commander Adams presented Council with information
on the Use of Force Continuum vs Reasonable Officer Standard
guidelines. Sergeant Frith explained that the Use of Force Continuum is
out of date and no longer used. Reasonable Officer Standard, states that
an officer with similar training and experience would have done something
similar in the same or similar situation.
Council discussed cities that have banned VNR holds, if Auburn should re-
evaluate the use of the VNR, the amount of force needed to restrain men
versus women, how to ensure the VNR is not misapplied as a choke hold,
the importance of the VNR to officers, the use of body cameras and the
option of using alternative methods to get compliance without encircling the
neck.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Councilmember Trout-Manuel spoke about fireworks in the City. City
Attorney Heid explained the differences with tribal land and City limit
regulations.
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V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting
was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
APPROVED this 20th day of July, 2020.
te
kr- LAU DACORSI, DEPUTY MAYOR Shawn Campbell, City C erk
Agendas and minu are available to the public at the City Clerk's Office, on the City website
(http://www.aubumwa.gov), and via e-mail. Complete agenda packets are available for review
at the City Clerk's Office.
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