City of Modesto, CA

05/23/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/23/2022 12:29

Forward Together Recommendations

Nearly a year ago, the Modesto City Council launched Forward Together-an engagement initiative on policing in Modesto in response to both local and national events. The 27-member work group of volunteers, representing a range of community constituencies, is excited to be finalizing their recommendations for City Council consideration. The recommendations are to address three focus areas identified by the Council: Police Accountability (often referred to as oversight), Policies and Procedures and Alternative Response Models (to respond to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and/or homelessness) with the goal of increasing trust, transparency and effectiveness of our police department.

Throughout the process, members of the community were invited to monthly in-person and virtual meetings and are now encouraged to review and provide feedback on the draft recommendations.

"It is encouraging to see how far we have come as a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas, and together we've built a broad consensus around a really impactful set of recommendations," said Forward Together Chairperson, Will Kelly.

Prior to adoption, the report of the draft recommendations is being shared with stakeholders and community groups to gain critical feedback. The draft is available in English and Spanish on the City's Forward Together website, and below are the many ways to provide feedback:

The work group will vote on final recommendations at the June 15th Forward Together meeting, which is open to the public, both in-person and virtually.

"It has been a year of learning, listening and relationship building, and I appreciate the tireless efforts of Forward Together and their commitment to making Modesto a better place to live, work and thrive," said Chief Gillespie.

Following formal adoption for the recommendations by Forward Together, the Council will hold a workshop where the Forward Together members can present their recommendations in greater detail, answer questions from the Council and receive public comments on them before the Council takes formal action. Still in the planning stages, this workshop is anticipated to occur in the June/July timeframe with Council adoption to follow at a regularly scheduled council meeting in August, where the Council will be asked to receive the recommendations and provide direction to staff on the next steps.