The committee also discussed the restructuring of the emergency communication center’s standard operating procedures for Crest calls in collaboration with the government performance lab. Concerns were raised over the process of dispatching Crest to community needs, with the committee requesting access to the call data for further analysis and a commitment to regular sharing of such data to facilitate informed discussions.

The Chief of Police, Chief Ting, outlined his vision for the police department, focusing on community policing and problem-solving using a sector-based policing model. This approach is designed to foster consistency and familiarity when addressing community issues. However, the Chief’s comments on increased police activity in certain areas due to a concentration of calls for service sparked concerns about potential disparate police presence in minority neighborhoods. He assured the committee of the department’s collaborative efforts to address community issues.

The committee and Chief Ting engaged in discussions about changing negative perceptions of the police force. The Chief highlighted plans to replenish officers and establish more liaison officers for specific apartment complexes. The role of the neighborhood liaison officer in addressing town-gown issues with the university was also discussed. The committee expressed concerns about over-policing in low-income and BIPOC communities and requested current data to demonstrate changes in policing practices.

Efforts to promote an anti-racist culture within the police department were also addressed, with the new Chief emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to racism and a commitment to building stronger collaborations with BIPOC communities.

Youth engagement was a significant topic, with the Chief discussing the promotion of youth programs, particularly in the BIPOC community, and the success of initiatives like “Morning Movement.” The committee explored the role of officer liaisons in fostering connections between officers, youth, and the broader community.

Another point of discussion entailed the possibility of a resident oversight board to ensure community involvement in decision-making processes.

During the public comment period, community members voiced their support for committee member Deborah’s reappointment and stressed the importance of diverse representation in the decision-making process. A debate over the time limits for public comments revealed tension between the desire for efficiency and the need for community input.

The committee also addressed the handling of calls related to Puffer’s Pond, opting for direct response to incidents instead of relying solely on the APD. Efforts to translate information into Spanish with the assistance of Amherst College and the management of the Youth Empowerment program by the town finance department were discussed.

Finally, the committee covered planning for upcoming fall listening sessions, aiming to accommodate community members with varying schedules, and proposed an administrative meeting in August to establish goals and determine the meeting schedule for the year.