CITY COUNCIL AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2023
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARK PUBLIC MEETING ROOM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS 625 N. SAN VICENTE BOULEVARD
6:00 P.M. – SPECIAL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Shyne called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and read the Land Acknowledgment.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: John Allendorfer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Councilmember Byers, Councilmember Heilman,
Councilmember Meister, Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, Mayor Shyne, Commissioner Blau, Commissioner Eramian,
Commissioner Freiberg, Commissioner Harrison, Commissioner Nickle, and Chair Hallman.
ABSENT: Vice Chair Saltzman
ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Wilson, City Attorney Langer, Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas, West Hollywood Sherrif’ s Captain Bill Moulder, Administrative Services Director Janet Jimenez, and City Clerk Crowder.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: None.
4. NEW BUSINESS:
4.A. CENTER FOR POLICING EQUITY ASSESSMENT [ D. WILSON, D.
RIVAS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council and the Public Safety Commission will receive an assessment on racial disparities in West Hollywood Sheriff Station interactions from the Center for Policing Equity.
City Manager Wilson provided a brief introduction to the item noting that the City Council approved hiring an independent consultant in July 2020 to review the City’s policing practices and ensure those procedures were being followed in an equitable manner. The City and the West Hollywood Sheriff’ s station entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) with the Center for Policing Equity ( CPE) to assess the West Hollywood Sheriff’ s data and make recommendations.
Sean Eldridge, Director of Law Enforcement Initiatives for CPE, introduced his team and provided an overview of CPE’ s core functions, noting that they concentrate on assessing law enforcement agencies based on an agencies DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D City Council Minutes
Monday, August 14, 2023
demographics and extrapolating the analytical data to build more equitable and just public safety systems in collaboration with the community, law enforcement, and the municipality.
Mathew Graham, Senior Data Analyst, commented on their focus for racial equity and prefaced by stating that LGBTQ+ groups were not analyzed due to the lack of available data and shared that the disparities were common across the other agencies who have been surveyed. He further provided statistical data on use of force by racial groups, traffic stops by racial groups, and non-traffic pedestrian stops by racial groups, as well as calls for service and officer-initiated activities.
Mr. Eldrige provided next steps to reduce disparities and make policing policies that are more equitable, such as partnering with the community to develop targeted training, monitoring progress, and providing intervention when required.
Cierren Edmondson, Community Engagement Coordinator with CPE, stated that community engagement was paramount to address disparities in taking action to reduce racial inequalities when designing more equitable public safety systems.
Public Safety Commissioner Chair Hallman asked why law enforcement agencies had not acquired racial equity practices thus far. Mr. Eldrige stated racial disparities have not been addressed nation- wide while Mr.
Graham commented on the reasons why their engagement was needed in creating policies.
Public Safety Commissioner Harrison asked if the results were affected by certain demographics and whether thresholds of data were placed. Mr.
Graham stated that the population they have interacted with can vary but use the resident population and request assistance from local officials to provide input on the uniqueness of their community to gather more accurate results.
Public Safety Commissioner Eramian asked if they assessed or noticed prejudices. Mr. Graham said that the research was mixed and explained that they concentrated on implicit trainings and policy interventions.
Public Safety Commissioner Nickle questioned the methodology used by CPE and expressed concern with using population benchmarks due to the number of travelers visiting West Hollywood. Mr. Graham admitted the measure might not be precise, however, population benchmark was the available measure for racial disparities. The assumption is that people live there.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D City Council Minutes
Monday, August 14, 2023
Public Safety Commissioner Freiberg asked if their firm was able to measure the trends of certain deputies making stops on individuals. Mr.
Graham stated those trends were not measured but could possibly provide that information later.
Public Safety Commissioner Blau asked a series of questions that were answered by Mr. Graham and Captain Moulder.
Councilmember Meister asked for clarification under the use of force data section where it stated, “ comparing force incident rates there were too few censuses track done to conduct analysis”. Mr. Graham stated that in order for CPE to analyze this data it required 10 or 15 census tracks.
Councilmember Meister also inquired about the calls for service noting there was a mismatch of enforcement events and density of officer- initiated mapping. Mr. Graham explained that if the number of incidents were particularly high, the analysis might be mismatched and was not meant to be compared.
Councilmember Byers thanked CPE for their partnership and highlighted this was the first MOU of its kind and asked if they could share challenges they might have experienced. Mr. Eldrige said the involvement of the City Manager Wilson, Community Safety Director Rivas, and the Sheriff’ s Department was instrumental and learned that collaboration from officials in leadership roles was imperative.
Councilmember Heilman also thanked CPE for their report and expressed concern with the methodology used to analyze traffic stops and racial disparities in commuters. He also commented on concerns with the validity of searches and asked how the City should unravel aspects of disparities with people who are facing poverty. Mr. Graham stated that the searches were often due to probable cause; however, the contraband found was low.
He further noted that they planned to review narratives contained in incident reports to provide more clarity, and that they plan to work with organizations to further examine how poverty affects a rise in interactions with law enforcement.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson asked if the deputy turnover was low and asked what other cities were currently collaborating with CPE. City Manager Wilson provided the number of deputies employed for the years that CPE used in its analysis, and Mr. Eldrige provided names of some of the other agencies that they are working with, noting that some of the agreements that they enter into with agencies do not allow them to disclose the names of those entities. Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson asked if they’ve worked for other contractual cities and requested the racial demographics of deputies.
He also inquired whether leadership within the Police Department influenced other deputies. Mr. Graham stated this was their first contractual City and Captain Moulder affirmed the demographics of the deputies were DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D City Council Minutes
Monday, August 14, 2023
delineated within the report. Additionally, Mr. Eldridge affirmed that leadership did influence the department.
Mayor Shyne inquired if CPE had additional community outreach meetings scheduled. Ms. Edmondson shared that community members are always welcome to share their input and thoughts, and further shared that CPE did plan to hold additional meetings. Mayor Shye also inquired when they planned to examine use of force. Mr. Eldridge stated they’d determine that within the year. Mayro Shyne further highlighted the data of calls for services and officer-initiated activity.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired how nuisances and public assistance were statistically defined. Mr. Graham stated they utilized a standardized code book.
Mayor Shyne requested that future analysis include a more holistic approach.
PUBLIC COMMENT
LEE WALKUP, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding gun safety and improving racial disparities holistically.
MIKIE FREEDMAN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, commented on the people who are being discriminated against with disabilities and requested that the City protect its residents more than City Hall.
JACKIE STEELE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding making the City of West Hollywood safe for residents and non-residents.
BAMBIE SLACEDO, LOS ANGELES, spoke regarding a transgender woman who was brutally shot, encouraged WEHO to hire their own Police Department, and commented on taping into Measure J funding.
DAN WALSTON, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the lack of pedestrian patrolling and the need for more Police Officers.
STEVE DUNWOODY, UNKNOWN, encouraged officials use the data gathered to address concerns.
STEVE MARTIN, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the need to make sure the City is welcoming and inclusive to all.
ZEKIAH WRIGHT, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the racial disparities within the City and community safety issues.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D City Council Minutes
Monday, August 14, 2023
WEST SIGNMILLER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, requested the implementation be community driven and requested to hire more Sheriff Deputies.
Public Safety Chair Hallman asked Captain Moulder if they had conducted a blind study within the department in the past to analyze this data. Captain Moulder said they had hoped to conduct a survey in the near future.
Public Safety Commissioner Blau thanked CPE and the Sheriff’ s Department for their collaboration on this presentation.
Public Safety Commissioner Eramian also thanked CPE and asked if there was data on the percentage of unhoused who were stopped. Mr. Graham stated that they had not studied that trend, however, would report back on this topic.
Public Safety Commissioner Freiberg and Harrison thanked CPE for their presentation.
Public Safety Commissioner Nickle expressed concerns about defunding the police and hoped this data would assist the Police Department reduce disparities.
Councilmember Meister thanked CEP and commented on the importance of the City’s work towards a solution to racial inequity, noting that the City initiated a community safety and well-being plan, a mobile behavioral crisis unit, and created the Social Justice Advisory Board to begin addressing this concern. She spoke on the importance of training and the collaboration of CEP’s role in monitoring the progress with data.
Councilmember Byers thanked CEP and staff for their hard work and stated expressed the City was working towards a meaningful path with community engagement.
Councilmember Heilman thanked the City Manager, Sheriffs, City Staff and partners for their work thus far and requested they continue working together to ensure everyone is treated equitably and eliminate bias.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson thanked staff, Councilmember Meister, and former Councilmember D’Amico for imitating this conversation stating the goal was to get to the root of the issue and addressing those concerns and commented on his desire to see LGBTQ+ data included and yearned for equity and justice for all.
Mayor Shyne also thanked CEP for their presentation and commented on structural racism and stated she hoped to improve the disparity in policing to create equity for all.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D City Council Minutes
Monday, August 14, 2023
The City Council and Public Safety Commission recessed at 8:39 pm and reconvened at 8:49 pm.**
4.B. UPDATE ON PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT, TECHNOLOGY, AND SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY SAFETY. [ D.
WILSON, D. RIVAS]:
SUBJECT: The City Council and Public Safety Commission will receive an update and provide feedback on various public safety equipment, technology, and security enhancements as well as a drone and fixed camera pilot program with a real-time watch center to help support community safety efforts in West Hollywood.
Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated August 14, 2023.
Public Safety Commissioner Blau asked a series of questions regarding drones as first responders, high priority calls, fixed cameras, data retention, fixed cameras at the intersection, funding, and the role Block by Block would have during the pilot program. Mr. Rivas and Captain Moulder provided responses, highlighting data retention would be stored by Block by Block and follow legal protocols under the California Public Records Act and drones would be on site prior to an officer.
Public Safety Chair Hallman asked if the City relied on the Beverly Hills Police Department to assist with crimes through their technology and policies. Captain Moulder stated that they’ve collaborated with the Beverly Hills Police Department in the past.
Public Safety Commissioner Eramian asked what would warrant a drone to be deployed. Captain Molder stated a drone would be deployed in part 1 crimes situations.
Public Safety Commissioner Freiberg expressed concerns regarding privacy issues.
Public Safety Commissioner Harrison inquired if they would be creating barriers on the ballistics shelter. Mr. Rivas stated that there would be no aesthetic difference, all shields would mimic existing structural elements seamlessly. Commissioner Harrison also inquired if the camera’ s feed was centralized. Director Rivas and Captain Moulder confirmed that the recording would be collected in one center.
Public Safety Commissioner Nickle inquired how they planned to expand usage of the emergency communication center. Director Rivas stated that the data collected would enable emergency alert messages reach a greater audience.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D City Council Minutes
Monday, August 14, 2023
Councilmember Meister inquired whether cameras would capture vehicles traveling at a high-speed. Director Rivas stated that the cameras did not have that compatibly; however, drones were capable of pursuing highspeed chases and could utilize license plate readers to track those offenses.
Councilmember Byers asked if Public Records Requests for this pilot program would follow the current protocols. Mr. Rivas affirmed it would.
Councilmember Byers commented on implementing oversight and accountability, requested staff provide an updated- on citations issued using drones, and commented on the funding plan for the pilot program.
The City Council recessed due to broadcasting issues around 9:40 P.M. and reconvened at 9:46 P.M.**
Councilmember Heilman spoke in support of the pilot program and in support of implementing weapon detectors at City Hall and Council Chambers.
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired if the gunshot detectors had the ability of differentiating a gun shot to a vehicle. Captain Moulder stated that the gunshot detector was capable of distinguishing a gun shot versus a firecracker and a car’s backfire as well as its location. Mayor Pro Tempore inquired if other ambassadors in other agencies used body worn cameras and if city employees were involved with significant safety changes. Director Rivas stated that private security companies utilized body work cameras, however, did not survey other municipalities and City Manager Wilson confirmed that City representatives would meet and confer with labor unions to discuss any safety changes within City facilities.
Mayor Shyne asked if the recording intake was streamed in real time and stored. She further requested a report back on whether stored data would have to be surrendered to out of state agencies. She also expressed concerns on liability insurance issues. Captain Moulder stated that he would like to record all of the missions if feasible and affirmed he would report back on her inquiry regarding surrendering footage to out of state agencies in relation to a criminal deemed act like abortion.
PUBLIC COMMENT
JOHN ALLENDORFER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, spoke regarding the Blockby-Block ambassador experience and the need for more security.
VICTORIA KURASSINKI, UNKNOWN, requested that technology not be abused.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D City Council Minutes
Monday, August 14, 2023
JONATHAN WILSON, WEST HOLYWOOD, spoke regarding concerns on implementation process.
MIKE CARTER, WEST HOLLYWOOD, submitted a Citizen Position Slip in Support of the item.
Chair Hallman stated he was in favor of many of the recombination’ s brought forth for security purposes.
Public Safety Commissioner Blau expressed concern with the limited amount of time that they were provided to review the item.
Public Safety Commissioner Eramian thanked staff and echoed Chair Hallman’ s comments and in favor of the implementation of cameras to protect the City.
Public Safety Commissioner Freiberg commented on privacy issues, lack of engagement, and requested that the City implement policies to retain control.
Public Safety Commissioner Harrison echoed comments made by his colleagues and commented in favor of protecting residents and the City.
Public Safety Commissioner Nickle spoke in favor of stationary cameras.
Councilmember Meister spoke in support of all pilot programs except for ballistic, gunshot detectors, and metal detectors, noting that metal detectors should be tried at two locations ( City Hall and Council Chambers).
Additionally, Councilmember Meister acknowledged that there are privacy concerns with drones in private areas, however, spoke in support of cameras and drones in public spaces and expressed concern with body worn cameras by ambassadors.
Councilmember Byers commented on the importance of the engagement from appointed officials and providing them the opportunity to ask questions about items that they have concerns about. She also spoke regarding the AI Bill of Rights and requested non-lethal drones be implemented, increasing the data retention beyond state law, improving data share, and commented on her desire to review a policy on the implantation of speed cameras.
Councilmember Heilman spoke in support of the drones, fixed cameras, gunshot detection, body cameras, high speed vehicle pursuits with a very clear implementation plan and effective policies to ensure this pilot program is successful and fulfills its goal.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D City Council Minutes
Monday, August 14, 2023
Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired if the City would have oversight of the drone’ s flying paths and if those flight paths would be published on the website. Captain Moulder stated the oversight of flight paths, and its publication would be included in preliminary conversations and included in the policy. Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson inquired about the length of the data retention for drone usage. Captain Moulder stated they would confirm with state law and make a determination on data retention tailored to the City’s needs. Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson spoke in support of the pilot program apart from body worn cameras by Block-by-Block ambassadors and drones; noting he required additional data to be in support of drones and a well thought out implementation plan. Additionally, he requested City Manager Wilson report back on safety measures of City facilities with recommendations to address metal detector options.
Mayor Shyne expressed her desire to enhance the safety of the City of West Hollywood, noting that as a sanctuary City she required reassurance that outside agencies would not use data collected by this pilot program for unjust reasons and shared concerns regarding the authority over data oversight requesting that the policies include language to enable the City to have full control. However, she did speak in support of hiring an independent intermediary to retain and oversee data retention and initiating metal detectors at City Hall and Council Chambers. Additionally, she shared reservations with the gunshot detectors, body worn cameras, and highspeed trackers, and requested a report back on ballistic shields.
City Manager Wilson summarized the City Council’ s desire to ensure policies were enacted for this pilot program and stated that he would bring back this item for their consideration with the feedback gathered during this meeting.
ACTION: Receive an update and provide feedback on public safety equipment, technology, and security enhancements to support community safety efforts.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council adjourned at 11:05 P.M. to its next regular meeting on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. at West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room - Council Chambers.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D City Council Minutes
Monday, August 14, 2023
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of West Hollywood at a regular meeting held this 18th day of September 2023 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember: Byers, Heilman, Meister, Mayor Pro Tempore Erickson, and Mayor Shyne
NOES: Councilmember: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember: None.
ABSTAIN: Councilmember: None.
SEPI SHYNE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MELISSA CROWDER, CITY CLERK
DocuSign Envelope ID: 596C54D8- C2A6-4547-9B7E-4981287B5E9D