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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Thank you, Ms. Sayles.

Could you talk a little more about the progressive policies for the Police department?

-The Progressive policies I reference include advocacy in supporting the adoption of the following nationwide "eight policy recommendations that cannot wait" underway in the City of Gaithersburg:
**[b]What they have failed to do at the county a[/b]nd state, we've been prohibiting the following:
**Bans Chokeholds and Strangleholds
**Requires De-Escalation
**Requires Warning Before Shooting
**Requires to Exhaust All Alternatives Before Shooting
**Duty to Intervene
**Ban Shooting at Moving Vehicles
**Has Use of Force Continuum
**Requires Comprehensive Reporting

Moreover, following the police-involved shooting of a Gaithersburg youth, I worked with our police department to ensure all of our officers, even those working undercover, must be outfitted with body cameras to prevent the loss of life while in police custody

And are you advocating for Gaithersburg resident representation on the state-mandated Police Accountability Board that the Council is now creating?  How do local police departments feel about being subjected to Elrich-appointed disciplinary boards? [/quote]

*The City of Gaithersburg has the most diverse population in the country and we have our police department as well. It would be helpful to hear from residents from our city and if you're interested in applying, send me an email and let m know if I can be helpful.
*My daughter served on the County's Reimagining Policing task Force[/quote]

The Can't Wait for 8 are not all evidence-based best practices.  However, some of this is disingenuous since Gaithersburg police recruits attend the County academy, and learn exactly the same curriculum.

*The County has long prohibited choke holds.  They haven't been trained on those since 2002.

*The County has been taught de-escalation techniques as part of use of force for decades.  Chief Jones also implemented ICAT training.  The County exceeds State requirement in almost every training area.

*Warn before shooting.  I see that Gaithersburg policy allows an officer to use best judgment if there is not time to warn or use alternatives.

*Requires police to exhaust all alternatives before shooting.   I see that Gaithersburg policy allows an officer to use best judgment if there is not time to warn or use alternatives.

*Duty to intervene.    Chief Jones implemented this as soon as he became Chief.

*Prohibition from shooting at vehicles.   MCPD can't shoot at fleeing vehicles.

*Use of Force Continuum.   This has been outdated for at least 2 decades.  Necessary and proportional are the standards used in the County academy, which trains all police in the County.  Use of Force continuum does not comply with current federal case law on lawful use of force, and teaching a continuum actually led to increased uses of unnecessary force.   Gaithersburg's website reflects the use of necessary and proportional.

*Requires comprehensive reporting. What data elements does this entail?  And is it more than what the state requires?

*Gaithersburg City police don't wear BWCs if they are undercover.   The policy says police who are in uniform or who have a prominently displayed badge or other indication that they are police.  Otherwise, use of a BWC does not comply with the State wiretap act.

Another question:   The county has given away a lot of manager rights in the FOP collective bargaining agreement.   It's not just Elrich. It's been going on since at least Duncan.   How will you work with a police department where the FOP has disproportionately more power regarding performance and discipline?  Both erode accountability. Their  contract controls the disciplinary scheme until July 1, 2023.[/quote]

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