March 6, 2018

S. Gregory Baker, Dir. Police Community Relations, UCPD; Dr. Robin S. Engel, Vice President for Safety and Reform

Bleuzette Marshall, VP for Equity & Inclusion

Director Baker; Dr. Engel

• Recruiting and Hiring Process
• Citizen Complaint Process
• Use of Force
• Training
  

Tuesday, May 9, 2018 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM in 320 University Pavilion

CAC Members

• Eric Abercrumbie
• Doug Barge
• Branden Boseman
• Kenneth Davis
• Peg Fox
• Bobby Hilton
• Chara Fisher Jackson
• KZ Smith
• Ennis Tait
• Charlene Ventura

UC Administration

• Gregory Baker

• Robin Engel
• Maris Herold
• Bleuzette Marshall
• James Whalen

CAC Members Not in Attendance

• Judge John West, Chair
• Yasmin Chilton
• Mike Ealy
• Bashir Emlemdi
• Aaron Greenlea
• Jack Martin
• Terri Theetge

S. Gregory Baker, Dir. Police Community Relations, UCPD and Dr. Robin S. Engel, VP for Safety & Reform

• Director Baker provided welcome.
  • Director Baker introduced Dr. Kenneth Davis, Jr., the new faculty representative who is replacing Dr. Mel Otten.
  • Dr. Davis recalled being a part of a 2015 Cincinnati Police Department Crossfire Initiative alongside Director Whalen, Director Baker and Dr. Engel.
  • Director Baker thanked members for being flexible with the new meeting dates for 2018. Confirmed that the May meeting will on Wednesday, May 9th to allow members to receive an update from Exiger.
  • Dr. Engel shared that several UCPD officers assisted in providing life-saving measures for a construction worker on campus who was in cardiac arrest. The event was captured on body cameras. The department had a short acknowledgement at shift change that day for the four officers involved: Office Lance Long, Officer Rob Doherty, Officer Alan Van Pelt and Officer Andrew Mueller. The UCPD is planning a formal ceremony where these officers will receive the life-saving award.  CAC members will be invited to attend.
  • Dr. Engel discussed attending the recent press conference held by Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters for a UC Professor who was accused of sexually harassing students over decades. UC’s Title IX Office conducted an investigation after receiving a complaint. While his behavior was reprehensible, and a process was started to terminate his employment, UCPD investigators’ review of the Title IX investigation determined there was not enough evidence of criminal activity to initiate the criminal process.  After review, the prosecutor’s office confirmed UCPD investigators’ assessment regarding the lack of criminal charges. Prosecutor Deters announced this at the press conference.
  • Dr. Engel informed members that the director of PERF (Police Executive Research Forum) was onsite today to present a Train-the-Trainer course for de-escalation during potential use-of-force incidents. Sanctity of life is the basis for this training. The training also includes a mental health aspect, and other factors associated with incidents that often involve unarmed suspects. This training (ICAT) utilizes the new critical decision-making model that is included in UCPD’s revised use of force policy.
    • PERF is a well-respected organization that is working to design and deliver training to reduce officers’ use of force.
    • Chief Herold discussed how this training changes the protocol for dealing with unarmed suspects.
    • The trainer indicated that UCPD Officers are very responsive to this new process.
  • Dr. Engel announced that our community breakfast forum will again be designed to highlight our reform efforts. The City Manager’s Advisory Group (MAG) and CAC members will be invited to attend. More information to follow.

Dr. Bleuzette Marshall, VP for Equity & Inclusion

• Dr. Bleuzette Marshall updated CAC Members regarding the possible visit of Richard Spencer. Dr. Engel left the room during this discussion, as she is involved in the federal lawsuit.
• Dr. Marshall shared a video titled “We Choose Love” that UC created with President Pinto and a diversified representation of the university and larger Cincinnati community.
• Several CAC Members provided their thoughts and opinions regarding the visit.
• For more information, visit the Free Speech website at https://uc.edu/freespeech.html.
  

Director Baker and Dr. Engel

• Director Baker asked members to consider serving on the CAC beyond their original commitment. He indicated that he will poll members individually to make sure they still have the same commitment to the reform efforts. The CAC originated as a crisis-oriented group, however are now evolving into an operations/compliance monitor stage.
• Judge West had previously noted changing the name and mission of the CAC to reflect a redirection to compliance rather than advisory.
• Director Baker indicated we need continued support from some original members to sustain our mission.
• Director Baker polled members regarding whether or not they would like Judge West to continue in his leadership role as the CAC Chair person. Some members asked if the CAC would have a vice chair, officers, etc. It was agreed that we do not need additional chairs and that Judge West has full support to remain as the Chair of the CAC.
• Exiger will be at the May 9, 2018 CAC meeting to provide a quarterly update.

• Wednesday, May 9, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM in 320 University Pavilion