File #: 202101448    Version: 1
Type: Motion Status: Adopted
File created: 4/13/2021 In control: Cincinnati City Council
On agenda: 5/12/2021 Final action: 5/12/2021
ORD/RES# date: ORD/RES#:
Title: MOTION, submitted by Councilmember Goodin, As we work to restore trust in our government institutions, transparency has never been more important. The inability to provide timely access to police body camera footage has undermined police-community relations in many large American cities. The Citizens Complaint Authority (CCA) complains of delays in obtaining redacted footage for its investigations. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 69, has, likewise, expressed concern about the resulting delays in CCA's investigations and their effects on officer morale. Various media outlets have also routinely complained about access to public documents. Information requests by private citizens are often the subject of litigation. The City Solicitor's office has acknowledged it needs additional staff to process these requests in a timely manner. Accordingly, WE MOVE that the Administration prepare a report on the steps necessary to establish a new DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND TRANSPAREN...
Sponsors: Steve Goodin
Attachments: 1. Motion - Dept. of Public Info (4-21)

title

MOTION, submitted by Councilmember Goodin, As we work to restore trust in our government institutions, transparency has never been more important. The inability to provide timely access to police body camera footage has undermined police-community relations in many large American cities. The Citizens Complaint Authority (CCA) complains of delays in obtaining redacted footage for its investigations. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 69, has, likewise, expressed concern about the resulting delays in CCA’s investigations and their effects on officer morale. Various media outlets have also routinely complained about access to public documents. Information requests by private citizens are often the subject of litigation. The City Solicitor’s office has acknowledged it needs additional staff to process these requests in a timely manner. Accordingly, WE MOVE that the Administration prepare a report on the steps necessary to establish a new DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND TRANSPARENCY which would, inter alia, coordinate with the various City departments, including the Solicitor’s office, in order to respond to public records’ requests and redact body camera and dash camera footage in accordance with the requirements set forth by Ohio law and the Cincinnati Municipal Code. WE FURTHER MOVE the Administration advise regarding the potential cost of standing up such a new Department, and whether funds from the American Rescue Plan could be utilized for this purpose.

recommendation

ADOPT