Re-envision Public Safety Task Force

The Re-Envision Public Safety Task Force was formed to address law enforcement-community relations, use-of-force policies, procedural justice, systemic racial bias, and practices that may contribute to racial disparity in the community, among other issues. The task force has been meeting bimonthly since September to review current police force policies, procedures, and practices, and develop a plan for any necessary improvements, with a focus on the needs of the community and fostering trust. The Re-envision Public Safety Task Force will present their findings and suggestions to Mayor Noble and the Common Council to be ratified by April 1, 2021.

The City of Kingston announced the Re-envision Public Safety Task Force in July, and announced a partnership with the Peaceful Guardians Project in August when a call was put out for task force applications. The City received about 30 applications, and with the help of Lester Strong and the Peaceful Guardians Project, interviewed applicants. After careful consideration, the appointees were announced in September, along with a schedule of public meetings.

The task force held two virtual Town Hall meetings on November 19 and December 16 to receive public input and feedback on their presentations including their topic research and proposed solutions in the following areas: Use of Force & Accountability, Alternatives to Police Intervention, Police Recruitment, Training & Morale, and Community Policing.

After incorporating public feedback to their reports, the Re-envision Public Safety Task Force delivered its final recommendations to the Mayor and Common Council on January 26. The final presentation can be found here.

The Common Council will now review the report for adoption and ratification.

Please leave your comments below in the Forum section. Your input will be discussed at the next Re-Envision Public Safety Task Force meeting.