HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-20 Public Comment - Z. Pritchard - Police Practices and 8 Can't WaitFrom:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Towards a more equitable Bozeman
Date:Wednesday, June 10, 2020 8:57:05 PM
Chris Mehl
Mayor, City of Bozemancmehl@bozeman.net406.581.4992________________________________________From: webadmin@bozeman.net [webadmin@bozeman.net]Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 8:18 PMTo: Chris MehlSubject: Towards a more equitable Bozeman
Message submitted from the <City Of Bozeman> website.
Site Visitor Name: ZoeSite Visitor Email: zoepritchard12@gmail.com
Dear Mayor Mehl,
I am writing with concerns echoed by many in this town. In making strides towards a more equitable Bozeman, weneed resources allocated towards affordability, inclusion, and community resources. I’m concerned that theproposed 2021 budget does not include enough funding for affordable housing, economic development, orsustainability. Although I do not know about police budget requirements and norms, I think that it is valuable toconsider the needs of police funding and consider what funding could go towards more community-based measures.
In recent dialogue nationwide, we’ve heard about the importance of having mental health resources and socialworkers available to help with traumatic incidents. I see great value in incorporating more mental health counselorsand social workers in the work of policing and community healing.
In regard to policing practices, I would love to see Bozeman adopt “8 Can’t Wait” practices. These are reducing useof force in other cities that have adopted them. I think that in many scenarios, the use of force by police adds totrauma upon community members. 8 Can’t Wait departments use less force and end up with less fatalities.
I see great importance in considering allocating resources and thought into how we police, how we support traumavictims, and how we value equity/affordability as a community. I appreciate your time and consideration of theseissues.Best,Zoe Pritchard