IPD to take part in year-long national policing project
The Indio Police Department’s participation in a national policing initiative focused on community involvement and departmental reform was recognized Monday at a White House event attended by city leaders.
The Indio Police Department is among 15 law enforcement agencies nationwide tasked with implementing recommendations set forth by a presidential task force on policing.
The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, created in 2014 by President Barack Obama, gathered input from community stakeholders regarding how local law enforcement agencies could strengthen their relationship with the public.
Beginning this month, Indio’s police force will be assessed on its ability to implement the task force’s 59 recommendations. The year-long Advancing 21st Century Policing Initiative address such areas as building trust with the community, departmental policy and oversight, emphasizing effective officer training, and using technology to improve policing.
The results of the project will also be used to produce guiding materials for other agencies seeking to implement the task force’s guidelines.
According to the IPD, implementation of the task force policies has already resulted in the establishment of a body-worn camera program; creation of a Professional Standards Unit and Office of Community Safety; and the establishment of a community outreach resource program that reaches out to chronic offenders with mental health disorders.
Indio Mayor Glenn Miller, City Manager Dan Martinez, IPD Chief Richard Twiss and Coachella Valley Rescue Mission Program Director Tom Cox traveled to Washington to take part in Monday’s program with Attorney General Loretta Lynch and members of the 14 other participating agencies.
“This is another exciting opportunity and acknowledgment of the outstanding work the Indio Police Department has conducted in the area of community outreach and engagement,” Miller said. “As a city, we take great pride in this prestigious recognition and I personally recommend Chief Twiss’ leadership.”
The Indio Police Department is the only California law enforcement agency taking part in the program.
