September 16, 2025
City Council
DATE: September 16, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
(List all relevant/responsive staff
persons)
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez and
Councilmember Sue Wilson
Subject:
(This will appear on the agenda)
Communication to the public and counseling for families and witnesses of officer involved shootings or an in-
custody death
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None at this time.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
(List all dates items were heard or
council action took place)
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
To maintain public trust in the event of certain critical incidents involving law enforcement and the public, there is a need to update and revise the communication
protocol as well as to enhance support services for those directly affected by such events. Prioritizing public
communication and offering services such as counseling
or therapeutic support for affected families and witnesses helps restore trust in law enforcement, promote public
safety, and support the well-being of all Richmond
residents.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
(This will appear on the agenda)
DIRECT the city manager to develop a plan to (1) revise the current communication protocol after an officer
involved shooting or an in-custody death, (2) modify
guidelines for released officer body-cam footage, and (3) issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide
counseling and therapeutic services for families and
witnesses directly affected by officer-involved shootings or in-custody deaths - Councilmember Sue Wilson (510-
AGENDA
REPORT
September 16, 2025
609-2111) and Councilmember Claudia Jimenez (510-
620-6743)
DISCUSSION:
The current protocol is for the Richmond Police Department to issue a press release after an officer-involved shooting (See RPD Policy 306.6.4). However, this action proposes that the City Manager – instead of RPD - implement an outlined communications protocol centered on issuing a timely press release when there is an officer-involved shooting or in-custody death The press release would include a description of the investigation process, timelines for public statements, and notification of available resources for witnesses and family members. The City Manager is committed to ensure accuracy, transparency, and cultural sensitivity in all communications. Also as part of the communication protocol, the city will commit itself to strict adherence to California Government Code 7923.625 (AB 748) rules governing the release of officer body worn camera footage, which limits redactions and prohibits editing beyond that which is legally required for safety and privacy.
In addition to communication efforts, the City must take steps to address the individual and community harm that often follows officer-involved shootings or in-custody deaths.
Affected families and witnesses frequently experience trauma that can have lasting mental health impacts that ripple out into the broader community. As such, this item recommends allocating appropriate funding for counseling and therapeutic services to support healing and recovery. These services may include mental health counseling and access to therapeutic care referrals for affected families and witnesses.
Together, these measures aim to promote community safety, rebuild trust between residents and law enforcement, and affirm the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and care for its residents and staff.
Communication Protocol Part 1 - Press Release
Within 24 hours of an officer-involved shooting, the City Manager should issue a press release that includes the following key elements:
● City Acknowledgment of Critical Incidents and Community Impact:
Require an official and timely public statement from the City Manager
September 16, 2025
acknowledging the incident, expressing empathy for those impacted, and recognizing the trauma and pain experienced by the community. This statement should demonstrate the City's commitment to transparency, accountability, and healing.
● Community Police Review Commission (CPRC):
Clearly identify the CPRC’s role in providing independent and community-based oversight during investigations of critical incidents.
● Richmond Police Department Internal Affairs Investigations:
Outline the internal review process conducted by RPD’s Internal Affairs Division, including what aspects of the incident are investigated and how findings are used.
● District Attorney and/or Department of Justice Involvement:
Clarify when and how the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office or the California Department of Justice may initiate independent investigations, particularly in cases involving serious injury or loss of life. ● AB 748 – Release of Body-Worn Camera Footage:
Describe how the City intends to comply with California’s AB 748, which requires the release of audio and video recordings related to “critical incidents,” including officer-involved shootings, within 45 days unless such disclosure would substantially interfere with an active investigation. A link must be provided to either a) a city webpage where the public can view the footage directly or b) a city webpage where the public can make a public records request to obtain the footage.
● Timelines and Process Transparency:
Establish specific timelines for when initial public communications will occur, how often updates will be provided during the investigation period, and what methods (e.g., press releases, public meetings, online updates) will be used to inform the community.
● Access to County Services and Wraparound Support:
Ensure impacted families and witnesses are notified about how to access trauma-informed services, including mental health counseling and long-term care coordination through community-based resources.
Communication Protocol Part 2 – Release of Body-Worn Camera Footage:
● Any and all footage of an officer-involved shooting that is released should include only those redactions that are necessary to protect privacy and safety as defined in California Government Code 7923.625 and do not interfere with the viewer’s ability to fully and accurately comprehend the events. Because California Government Code 7923.625 further states that “the recording shall not otherwise be edited or altered,” the City must release only raw unedited footage subject
September 16, 2025
only to the limited redactions required under the law. This reflects the City’s alignment with the state’s legal mandate to transparency, investigative integrity, and public trust.
There are many sources for policy and or practice guidance on navigating the delicate nature of investigations, but important ones that can guide our City are:
● State Bar of California- Rule of Professional Conduct 3.6; and ● U.S Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)- STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS:
Recommendations from a Community of Practice
● AB 748 – Release of Body-Worn Camera Footage
Request for Proposal
The request for staff to issue an RFP aims to increase access to community-based support services for individuals directly affected by officer-involved shootings or in- custody deaths. The goal is to provide support to witnesses and families affected by officer-involved shootings by pairing them up with trained mental health professionals to assist with resource navigation using a trauma-informed and victim-centered framework.
The RFP will include:
● Trauma-Informed and Victim-Centered Approach
All services will prioritize the dignity, agency, and emotional safety of the civilian, avoiding retraumatization and fostering healing.
● Cultural Competency and Language Access
Providers must ensure that staff reflect the diversity of Richmond and that services are accessible across languages and cultures.
Next Steps:
If approved, staff will release the RFP and proceed with the solicitation and evaluation process. Once one or more providers are selected, staff will return to Council with a contract recommendation and funding allocation request.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – RPD Policy 306 (Officer Involved Shootings and Deaths) Attachment 2 – RPD Policy 429 (Critical Incident Audio & Video Release Policy)