21.267 A Resolution in Support of the Recommendations of the Northampton Policing Review Commission - FINALIn the City Council, May 6, 2021
Upon the Recommendation of: Councilor Rachel Maiore and Councilor Michael J. Quinlan, Jr
R-21.267
A Resolution In Support of the Recommendations of the
Northampton Policing Review Commission
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Northampton committed to “actions at the local level
to combat the public health crisis of systemic racism” by creating the Northampton Policing
Review Commission and charging the Commission 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 Northampton Policing Review Commission met that charge through dedicated
work, holding three public hearings, more than 70 meetings of the full commission and sub-
committees, and countless hours of research, and
WHEREAS, The Northampton Policing Review Commission’s final report underscored the
importance of building a new system that reflects Northampton’s values and is designed to
promote the care, health, and well-being of everyone in our community at no one’s expense.
WHEREAS, The Northampton Policing Reviewing Commission in the Reimagining Safety report
states, “the Department of Community Care be established and funded in FY 2022 and fully
operational in FY 2023,” and
WHEREAS, The Northampton Policing Reviewing Commission in the Reimagining Safety report
states, “the Commission recommends that this department be intentionally independent from
the Northampton Police Department, but open to collaboration with all City departments.
Given the nature of the responsibilities we are recommending this department take on, and the
recognition of racism itself as a health crisis, we advocate that the department be situated
underneath the Board of Health,”
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Northampton City Council supports all fourteen
recommendations outlined in the Final Report of the Northampton Policing Review
Commission.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Northampton City Council commends the members of the
Northampton Policing Review Commission for their effort and dedication to Northampton.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Northampton City Council urges the Mayor to establish a
Department of Community Care in this fiscal year and fund it with a meaningful investment that
will assure viability in the FY22 Budget.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council recommends that given the nature of the
responsibilities that are recommended for this department to take on, and the recognition of
racism itself as a health crisis, we advocate that the department be housed outside of the police
department.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Administrative Assistant to the City Council shall send a copy
of this Resolution to Mayor David Narkewicz, Health Director Merridith O’Leary and The
Commissioners of the Northampton Policing Review Commission.