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Salt Lake City’s Commission Racial Equity in Policing postpones public listening session until next week

Community can weigh in the evening of Thursday, Jan. 28

(Francisco Kjolseth | Tribune file photo) Author and activist Darlene McDonald, speaks with Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown following a press event with Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, the Salt Lake City Council, and members of the community who announced the Commission on Racial Equity in Policing, at the International Peace Gardens on, June 25, 2020. The commission is seeking public input on it's initial recommendations and has rescheduled a virtual meeting for Thursday, Jan. 28.

A panel seeking feedback on numerous proposed reforms to the Salt Lake City Police Department is putting is listening session on hold for about a week.

The Salt Lake City Commission on Racial Equity in Policing had originally scheduled the virtual event for Wednesday. The city is now asking the community to provide input at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28. Participants can provide comment by phone, anonymously via text message or by posting on social media.

The listening session was rescheduled after Gov. Spencer Cox extended a state of emergency declaration until Jan. 21.

“We encourage Salt Lake City residents to participate,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall in a news release. “Engagement like this is a critical part of changing the way we serve so that dignity, respect and equity can prevail.”

The City Council formed the commission in June after public outcry against police violence. Last week, the commission presented to the council its first round of proposed changes to law enforcement, such as recruiting more diverse police trainers and overhauling requirements for crisis intervention.

Salt Lake City residents can watch the live public listening session by tuning in on SLCTV or streaming the event on the commission’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Those wanting to participate can call 888-410-3427 to comment in English, 844-881-1317 to comment in Spanish or text “Equity” to 22333. Participants can also post their thoughts on social media, using the hashtag #slcrepcommission.

For more information, visit the Commission on Racial Equity in Policing website at slcrepcommission.com or call 801-535-7644.