Let's Begin the Conversation
As our community continues to react to, respond, and plan further actions relative to the criminal events which led to the death of George Floyd and the larger societal issues it represents, I want to alert our community about several items.
- First, effective June 8, 2020, I suspended the authorized use of force technique known as the Carotid Control Hold. The carotid control hold is a use of force option which may be applied in restraining a violent or combative individual by applying bilateral compression of the carotid arteries and jugular veins. While this use of force option was only authorized under some of the most volatile situations as an alternative to lethal force, and repeated uses of other force options, I decided it best to suspend use of this technique immediately.
- We have received questions and inquiries about the “8cantwait” platform and have put together a point by point response to those questions on how our Department is aligned with those recommendations. The public can find our response in the document called "Let's Begin the Conversation" linked below.
- On Monday, June 15th, I will provide an informational report to the City Council and community during the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on existing policies, procedures, and training related to use of force. To be clear, this will be just the first conversation and we are committed to active participation and in ongoing discussions and actions on use of force reforms.
It is not enough to say, “What happened in Minneapolis could never happen here”. It’s not enough to make that assumption or to expect you, the public, to assume it. As a professional organization the Piedmont Police Department continues to assess its existing use-of-force policies and tactics to ensure adherence to evidenced-based best practices, and strives for the safest outcomes for the public and police officers. That said, it is time to look even harder inwardly and communicate with the public about how the police department effectuates use-of-force policy, training and how it is reviewed.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Bowers
Chief of Police
Piedmont Police ALPR Transparency Portal
The Piedmont Police Department is proud to be the first law enforcement agency in the nation to launch an ALPR Transparency Portal in partnership with Flock Safety. We know, and our community knows, how effective and useful our ALPR technology has been over the years. The launch of the Transparency Portal positions us to increase the public’s already strong confidence and our own legitimacy with how we leverage this technology to enhance public safety. We invite you to visit the link below to learn more.
Piedmont PD ALPR Transparency Portal
Piedmont Police Policies and Training
The Piedmont Police Department strives to provide transparency on police activities, departmental policies, training materials, and agency practices. We are committed to openness, accountability, and integrity.
In compliance with SB978, the Piedmont Police Department wants to ensure all materials can be made easily available to the public. You can click through the information below and contact us if you have any questions. Click here for the form a request for copies of police records, such as police reports, administrative reviews, video and audio records subject to the California Public Records Act. To view or inspect documents, please contact Records Specialist Tonia Struble directly.