News Summary
In response to recent police-related controversies, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson has unveiled new measures for conducting use of force investigations within the police department. Effective immediately, civilian oversight will be enhanced through the inclusion of community members and local leaders in review committees. This initiative aims to address community concerns about police conduct and ensure accountability. Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther will hold a press conference to provide further details on the investigation and planned community engagement events aimed at fostering transparency.
Savannah – Mayor Van Johnson has announced significant changes to the way use of force investigations will be conducted within the Savannah Police Department, particularly amid recent controversies surrounding police actions. The announcement is part of the Mayor’s response to a recent investigation he initiated after a social media video went viral, capturing police officers pushing two individuals, Verner Ross and Qua Maine Williams, to the ground.
The two men involved in the incident claimed they were confused about the circumstances of their arrest, stating that police were called for a different reason altogether. In light of this and similar events, Mayor Johnson stated that effective immediately, all use of force review committees will now include new members designed to enhance civilian oversight. The new committee will include an on-call chaplain, a local faith leader, and a community member selected by the Savannah city council.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the critical nature of civilian oversight and the necessity for community input in all use of force reviews, indicating that this involvement will extend beyond just officer-involved shootings. He has acknowledged the challenges law enforcement officers face but stresses the importance of recognizing good conduct while also addressing instances of misconduct appropriately.
In a commitment to improve communication and transparency regarding officer conduct, Johnson underscored the importance of community feedback during investigations of this nature. Meanwhile, Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther is scheduled to host a press conference on Friday to provide detailed information regarding the investigation and recent incidents that have raised public concerns.
This forthcoming press conference will mark the first opportunity for city officials to delve into the specifics of the investigation that ultimately led to the announcement of these significant changes. Chief Gunther, in a letter dated June 6, shared that there will be upcoming community events on June 13 to further address public concerns about use of force incidents that have gained attention on social media platforms.
At the press conference, Gunther is expected to reaffirm the department’s dedication to professionalism and transparency during interactions with the community. He has assured the public that any violations committed by officers will be dealt with accordingly. The incidents referenced in the current investigations include an arrest that took place at a McDonald’s location on Skidaway Road, where both suspects involved required medical evaluation.
Gunther has acknowledged the community’s demand for swift action following these incidents but has indicated that thoroughness and accuracy will be prioritized during the investigation process. He will also address the situation concerning two police sergeants who were initially dismissed but have since been suspended following an appeal agreement.
The changes to the use of force investigations, initiated in response to growing community unrest and demand for accountability, reflect Mayor Johnson’s commitment to enhance oversight and trust between the Savannah Police Department and the community it serves. Understanding the implications of these changes is crucial for residents who are eager for improvements in policing practices in Savannah.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah Mayor Announces Changes to Use of Force Investigations
- Wikipedia: Police Accountability
- Savannah Now: Savannah Police Department Internal Investigations
- Google Search: Savannah Police Investigations
- WJCL: Community Input on Police Complaints
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civilian Oversight
- WSAV: Savannah Police Chief Addresses Use of Force Allegations
- Google News: Savannah Police Use of Force
