Community Recommendations for Changes in Police Practices
Who we are:
The Worthington Immigrant Task Force is a group of community leaders that have brought their focus toward bridging the gap between the Worthington Police Department and the city’s many minority communities. The task force is made up of local organizations, activists, and community members.
Why is this important?
In light of community concerns surrounding the video of BRDTF Agent Joe Joswiak, Sgt. Tim Gaul and the Worthington Police Department, the Worthington Immigrant Task Force held a general community forum on July 9th at St. Mary’s Church. As a result of this forum and emerging concerns, we urge the city of Worthington to take action to heal community fears of and anxiety towards law enforcement agencies. The community expects a thorough, fair and transparent investigation with a judicious timeline.
Recommendations:
We strongly implore our law enforcement agencies and city elected leaders to adopt the following recommendations:
- Hold Agent Joswiak and his supervisors accountable for Agent Joswiak’s actions during the arrest. Consider all forms of discipline, up to and including termination.
- Implement more training for the Worthington Police Department on the use of force and de-escalation.
- Conduct a thorough review of the hiring process. The police force should reflect the diversity of the community.
- Require additional cultural training that relates to the demographics of the community.
- Establish diversity on the Police Civil Service Commission.
- Institute a Worthington Human Rights Commission.
- Examine procedures concerning Worthington police officer behavior and improve internal police review.
- Review and make public all procedures and protocols of dashboard and body camera media.
- Begin the process of establishing a community policing agreement between the Worthington Police Department and our communities of color.