20.096 A Resolution Regarding the Northampton Policing Review CommissionIn the City Council, July 9, 2020
Upon the Recommendation of: City Councilor Gina-Louise Sciarra and Mayor David J.
Narkewicz
R-20.096 A Resolution Regarding the
Northampton Policing Review Commission
Whereas, on June 8, 2020 in the letter with the revised order for FY2021 General Fund budget,
Mayor Narkewicz “...committed to working with the City Council to address the larger systemic
issues of institutional racism and bias laid bare once again by the tragic killing of George Floyd
by Minneapolis police officers on May 25, 2020;” and
Whereas, at the June 10 special meeting of the City Council to continue deliberation on the
FY2021 General Fund budget, the City Council asked Council President Sciarra and Mayor
Narkewicz to bring to the next meeting and before the second vote on the FY2021 General
Fund a plan for both branches to work together to bring about meaningful change to policing
and public safety; and
Whereas, on June 18 Mayor Narkewicz and Council President Sciarra presented the
Northampton Policing Review Commission, a joint commission of both branches of government,
“to study these complex issues and recommend reforms to the current organizational and
oversight structures, municipal funding allocations, and policies and ordinances that together
can transform how the city delivers policing services while ensuring community safety equitably
and justly for all;” and
Whereas, the discussion on the commission was continued to a special meeting of the City
Council on June 23, where additional feedback from the Council and the public was heard and
discussed, and then incorporated into the commission document.
Therefore be it resolved that the City Council and Mayor shall create the Northampton
Policing Review Commission with the process, composition and timeline delineated in the
commission document.