OKC seeks policing reforms consultant

A consultant will be hired to assist two groups tasked with recommending policing reforms to the Oklahoma City Council.

Interest in reformin gO kl a homa City Police Department practices grew this summer in response to protests over police killings elsewhere of Black men.

The council voted Tuesday to seek a consultant to aid the work of a mayoral task force and an internal working group. A primary goal is to aid the two groups in settling on reform proposals by the next spring, for inclusion in the next annual budget.

Mayor David Holt has appointed a 45-member task force to study and make recommendations on Police Department policies intended to deescalate potentially violent interactions with citizens, and on independent oversight.

The 12- member internal working group was formed by the city manager at the council's direction.

It is examining issues including crisis response training, alternatives for responding to mental health calls, and programs to reduce neighborhood violence.

The consultant will be expected to survey residents to gauge community views and provide a summary of how other cities are addressing similar issues, along with a cost/ benefit analysis of alternatives.

The notice to prospective consultants says the work is of “great interest” and should begin immediately upon award of a contract, yet the “matters are too important to rush, so sufficient time for all required engagement should be built into any proposed schedule.”

The study could expand, according to the request for proposals, to include police “recruitment and diversity issues, environmental/ infrastructure design, bias and cultural competency training, etc.”

Proposals are due Oct. 7. Kenton Tsoodle, an assistant city manager, said the goal is to have the council approve a contract Nov. 10. Planning for the 2021-22 budget will begin shortly after the first of the year.

A selection committee that may include task force and working group members will evaluate proposals.

The consultant will be expected to survey residents to gauge community views and provide a summary of how other cities are addressing similar issues, along with a cost/benefit analysis of alternatives.