The City of Erie is introducing a new Mayor’s Council on Community Safety and Trust to bring together residents, community leaders, law enforcement and civic partners to review policing policies and build public trust, according to city officials Thursday.
The council started from a group Mayor Daria Devlin brought together in July, the news release said. It is organized into three subcommittees focused on governance, policy and practice, and community partnership, according to the city.
The Governance Subcommittee is working on how the council will make decisions, communicate with the public and stay accountable, according to city officials. It is also developing an ordinance to formally establish the council.
The Policy & Practice Subcommittee is reviewing the Erie Police Department’s Use of Force policy and looking for ways to improve public understanding of police policies, according to the city.
The Community Partnership & Trust Building Subcommittee is holding a town hall Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at New Life & Spirit Revival Center, 315 E. 9 St. City officials said residents can share experiences, ask questions and help shape the council’s work.
The city said more information will be shared on its website and social media. Residents can learn more here.