The City Council has proposed an amendment to the City Charter to be referred to voters in November. If approved by voters, that amendment would create a new Community Safety & Violence Prevention Department and remove the Police Department from the Charter.
The proposal removes the police department from the city charter and adds a new community safety and violence prevention department. That new department would provide a range of public safety services through a “holistic, public health-oriented approach.” Read the proposed amendment.
The charter is the City’s constitution. There are two ways to change (amend) the charter: (1) by voters at an election or (2) by ordinance enacted by the City Council and Mayor. The City Council has proposed that this public safety amendment by referred to voters as a ballot question on November 3. Learn more about the process of amending the city charter.
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