{"id":1543,"date":"2020-06-19T21:43:09","date_gmt":"2020-06-19T21:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/johndeworken.com\/?p=1543"},"modified":"2020-08-25T21:49:06","modified_gmt":"2020-08-25T21:49:06","slug":"john-deworken-district-1-city-council-update-june-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/johndeworken.com\/john-deworken-district-1-city-council-update-june-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"John DeWorken District 1 City Council Update – June 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Neighbors and Friends,<\/p>\n

It is my hope that this Update will provide you useful information about your City and community. If you have any questions or comments, you may contact me at\u00a0jdeworken@greenvillesc.gov<\/a>\u00a0or on my cell phone at 864.905.5529.<\/p>\n

Thank you for all that you do for our community.<\/strong><\/p>\n

– John<\/p>\n


\nTaking a Stand Against Racism<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I was proud to stand against racism at a rally in downtown Greenville with hundreds of neighbors and friends, and alongside Mayor Knox White, Rep. Chandra Dillard, Rep. Jason Elliott, Councilwoman Lillian Flemming, and Councilman Ken Gibson.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Greenville Mayor Knox White, who spoke to the crowd, had this to say about the event: \u201cI believe words have power, but it takes action to create meaningful change. Less than two weeks ago I stood on the steps of the Peace Center plaza and mourned the loss of George Floyd with a group of young activists. I asked the black men in the crowd to raise their hands. I told them, \u201cThis is your City.\u201d I meant it and I mean it for all people of color in Greenville.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Greenville PD\u00a0Use of Force\u00a0<\/em>Policy Being Reviewed<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I am a proud supporter of our police<\/u>. And, I am proud that our citizens and law enforcement clearly set themselves apart from other cities in the last few weeks.\u00a0However, we must intentionally listen and we must work harder to continue improving the way in which public safety is carried out in Greenville City.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That is why Council and staff are proposing a nine-member Citizen Advisory Panel on Public Safety to be formally established at the June 22 Council meeting; and for the Panel to provide a report to Council within 60 days.<\/p>\n

The Panel is intended to improve the communication flow between the police department and the community and develop a dialogue about Greenville policing<\/u>. The panel will review the GPD Use of Force policy and the composition, duties and responsibilities of the Public Safety Citizens Review Board. Panel members will be asked to review GPD training and minority hiring practices, as well.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, it is important to note that GPD adheres to #8can\u2019twait recommendations. The GPD:<\/strong><\/p>\n