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Savannah Police Chief Addresses Use-of-Force Incidents and Reforms

Police Chief Lenny Gunther discusses recent use-of-force incidents with community involvement.

News Summary

Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther held a press conference to address recent use-of-force incidents amid public scrutiny. Notable incidents on May 20 and July 11 involved arrests and disciplinary actions against officers. Gunther emphasized the need for transparency and announced a new policy for timely reviews of such incidents, incorporating community perspectives into evaluations to build trust and accountability.

Savannah Police Chief Addresses Use-of-Force Incidents and Reforms Amid Public Scrutiny

Savannah, GA – Police Chief Lenny Gunther held a press conference to address two significant use-of-force incidents that have attracted public attention and scrutiny. This briefing comes in light of heightened community concerns over police practices and the accountability measures in place within the Savannah Police Department.

The first incident occurred on May 20 at a McDonald’s located on Skidaway Road, where officers used force during several arrests. An investigation into this incident concluded that there were no violations of the department’s use-of-force policies. However, a separate disciplinary action was taken against one officer for inappropriate language used during the arrests.

The second incident happened on July 11, 2024, involving a larger scale police response with nine officers. Following an internal investigation, it was determined that seven officers faced disciplinary measures, with six found to have violated the department’s use-of-force policies. Tactics employed during this incident included body strikes, the deployment of a taser, and the application of a bilateral neck restraint. The suspect involved, Marquel Robinson, had outstanding felony warrants for serious charges including rape and aggravated assault.

In the aftermath of the July incident, two of the officers resigned before the disciplinary review could be completed. Disciplinary actions against the remaining officers included suspensions ranging from one to five days. Notably, recommendations for termination from the SPD’s Use of Force Board were revised down after further consideration, highlighting internal disagreements on the appropriate level of discipline. Factors taken into account included the context of the situation, proportionality of force used, and each officer’s history of service within the department.

Gunther acknowledged the community’s valid concerns regarding police conduct and reaffirmed the department’s dedication to transparency and accountability. He recognized a significant failure within the notification system of the department, admitting to not being informed about the July incident until March of the following year.

In response to concerns about the timeliness of information, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson underscored the need for faster public updates related to use-of-force incidents. Subsequently, Gunther announced the implementation of a 24-hour review policy for future incidents. This policy aims to ensure rapid assessments and improve communication with the public.

Future reviews of use-of-force incidents will now involve additional community perspectives, including the participation of an on-call chaplain, a civilian faith leader, and a representative nominated by the Savannah City Council. Moreover, an external use-of-force expert will be integral to the review processes, enhancing the thoroughness and objectivity of evaluations.

Gunther emphasized the importance of community involvement in police oversight, asserting that public engagement is crucial for fostering trust and accountability within the police force. He clearly stated that the department’s primary responsibility is to serve the community effectively and with integrity.

As Savannah moves forward, the police department aims to address community concerns while reassessing its response to use-of-force incidents. The implementation of new policies and a commitment to transparency signifies a critical step towards building a more effective and accountable police service in the city.