Vancouver Community Task Force on Policing

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Vancouver Police Department continues to implement improvements to use of force policies and practices

The Community Task Force on Policing was formed in the summer of 2020 to provide feedback to the Vancouver Police Department as it addressed 84 recommendations identified in a use of force report provided by the Police Executive Research Forum.

The City has created a chart to provide a look at the work that has been accomplished.PERF Report progress chart

A majority of the use of force recommendations have been implemented and VPD continues to foster a culture of improvement by regularly updating training and policies according to legislative changes and best practices within the industry.

Ten of the 84 recommendations are not yet complete and are not reflected on this chart. Here’s how the remaining recommendations are still being addressed*:

  • Seven recommendations (numbers 31, 22, 23, 24, 82, 81, 83) are related to the development of an internal Critical Incident Review Board. VPD has started this process and will likely begin work in 2022 after the department has addressed significant changes in policing aligned with new state laws.
  • One (number 45) recommendation is related to data collection to quantify de-escalation and the department is actively working on procedures to capture this data.
  • Two (numbers 72 & 73) recommendations are part of negotiations with the guilds and still need to go through that process.

*Page numbers referenced in the chart correspond to the page numbers that contain the recommendation in the PERF report

Update on police camera program

VPD continues to make progress on implementing a comprehensive camera program that will feature body-worn cameras and in-car cameras. The City of Vancouver has budgeted $3 million for FY 21/22 and is slated to receive $1.5 million in federal funding during 2022 secured by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to support the program.

Here is the most recent draft policy (PDF) developed for the use of the cameras. This policy will evolve and change as the review and feedback process continues through:

  • Police union negotiations
  • Input from the Community Task Force on Policing (a working group of community members, VPD, and City staff tasked with oversight of program implementation)
  • Public procurement process that will determine the specific camera equipment, training, and maintenance for the program.

Community members are invited to provide their thoughts on this draft policy below in the section titled "Share your Ideas".

Next steps: In April 2021, the City of Vancouver procurement process began. This process included participation from two community members who reviewed vendor proposals that were submitted. Several vendors were selected to move forward to the second phase of the selection process, which occurred during the week of August 23, 2021. These vendors then provided in-person, half-day demonstrations of their products to police department and City personnel. The procurement process is continuing, and the department will begin testing equipment as part of a pilot program which begins in early November 2021. During the 60-day pilot program, ten officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras, which they will wear during their normal work shifts. Up to six vehicles will also be outfitted with a dash and rear-passenger compartment camera.

In preparation for the full implementation of the program, work has begun to prepare the City of Vancouver Information Technology department and the Vancouver Police Department Records personnel for the new and additional work associated with the camera program. Coordination with Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) is also being done prior to the full implementation.

Task Force Member Presentation Spotlight:

City Council Workshop Update:

Vancouver City Council received an update on the progress of the Task Force's work at it's February 22, 2021 Council workshop. You can view that session here.

City of Vancouver convenes Community Task Force on Policing

Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes created the Community Task Force on Policing in June 2020 as a result of the Police Executive Research Forum's (PERF) use of force report on the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). The task force met for the first time in September 2020 and is expected to meet on a monthly basis through September 2021.

The official charge of the task force is to:

The task force is composed of the following community leaders:

  • Ed Hamilton Rosales, Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens

  • Clayton Mosher, Washington State University Vancouver
  • Shareefah Hoover, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Vancouver chapter
  • Lynn Marzette, Vancouver Police Department’s Chief’s Diversity Advisory Committee
  • Kim Schneiderman, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southwest Washington
  • Elvia Santos Dominguez, PointNorth Consulting and Vancouver resident
  • Cody Shaw, Council for the Homeless
  • Eric Holmes, Vancouver City Manager
  • James McElvain, Vancouver Police Chief
  • Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Vancouver Mayor
  • Erik Paulsen, Vancouver City Councilmember
  • Sarah Fox, Vancouver City Councilmember
  • Commander Dave King, Vancouver Police Department, representing the VPD Command Guild
  • Detective Neil Martin, Vancouver Police Department, representing the VPD Police Guild

To ensure transparency, the Vancouver Police Department also provides access to full reports, policy information and regular updates regarding this project and other public safety initiatives online. Please visit the "Webpage Links" in the sidebar to learn more.

Vancouver Police Department continues to implement improvements to use of force policies and practices

The Community Task Force on Policing was formed in the summer of 2020 to provide feedback to the Vancouver Police Department as it addressed 84 recommendations identified in a use of force report provided by the Police Executive Research Forum.

The City has created a chart to provide a look at the work that has been accomplished.PERF Report progress chart

A majority of the use of force recommendations have been implemented and VPD continues to foster a culture of improvement by regularly updating training and policies according to legislative changes and best practices within the industry.

Ten of the 84 recommendations are not yet complete and are not reflected on this chart. Here’s how the remaining recommendations are still being addressed*:

  • Seven recommendations (numbers 31, 22, 23, 24, 82, 81, 83) are related to the development of an internal Critical Incident Review Board. VPD has started this process and will likely begin work in 2022 after the department has addressed significant changes in policing aligned with new state laws.
  • One (number 45) recommendation is related to data collection to quantify de-escalation and the department is actively working on procedures to capture this data.
  • Two (numbers 72 & 73) recommendations are part of negotiations with the guilds and still need to go through that process.

*Page numbers referenced in the chart correspond to the page numbers that contain the recommendation in the PERF report

Update on police camera program

VPD continues to make progress on implementing a comprehensive camera program that will feature body-worn cameras and in-car cameras. The City of Vancouver has budgeted $3 million for FY 21/22 and is slated to receive $1.5 million in federal funding during 2022 secured by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to support the program.

Here is the most recent draft policy (PDF) developed for the use of the cameras. This policy will evolve and change as the review and feedback process continues through:

  • Police union negotiations
  • Input from the Community Task Force on Policing (a working group of community members, VPD, and City staff tasked with oversight of program implementation)
  • Public procurement process that will determine the specific camera equipment, training, and maintenance for the program.

Community members are invited to provide their thoughts on this draft policy below in the section titled "Share your Ideas".

Next steps: In April 2021, the City of Vancouver procurement process began. This process included participation from two community members who reviewed vendor proposals that were submitted. Several vendors were selected to move forward to the second phase of the selection process, which occurred during the week of August 23, 2021. These vendors then provided in-person, half-day demonstrations of their products to police department and City personnel. The procurement process is continuing, and the department will begin testing equipment as part of a pilot program which begins in early November 2021. During the 60-day pilot program, ten officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras, which they will wear during their normal work shifts. Up to six vehicles will also be outfitted with a dash and rear-passenger compartment camera.

In preparation for the full implementation of the program, work has begun to prepare the City of Vancouver Information Technology department and the Vancouver Police Department Records personnel for the new and additional work associated with the camera program. Coordination with Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) is also being done prior to the full implementation.

Task Force Member Presentation Spotlight:

City Council Workshop Update:

Vancouver City Council received an update on the progress of the Task Force's work at it's February 22, 2021 Council workshop. You can view that session here.

City of Vancouver convenes Community Task Force on Policing

Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes created the Community Task Force on Policing in June 2020 as a result of the Police Executive Research Forum's (PERF) use of force report on the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). The task force met for the first time in September 2020 and is expected to meet on a monthly basis through September 2021.

The official charge of the task force is to:

The task force is composed of the following community leaders:

  • Ed Hamilton Rosales, Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens

  • Clayton Mosher, Washington State University Vancouver
  • Shareefah Hoover, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Vancouver chapter
  • Lynn Marzette, Vancouver Police Department’s Chief’s Diversity Advisory Committee
  • Kim Schneiderman, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southwest Washington
  • Elvia Santos Dominguez, PointNorth Consulting and Vancouver resident
  • Cody Shaw, Council for the Homeless
  • Eric Holmes, Vancouver City Manager
  • James McElvain, Vancouver Police Chief
  • Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Vancouver Mayor
  • Erik Paulsen, Vancouver City Councilmember
  • Sarah Fox, Vancouver City Councilmember
  • Commander Dave King, Vancouver Police Department, representing the VPD Command Guild
  • Detective Neil Martin, Vancouver Police Department, representing the VPD Police Guild

To ensure transparency, the Vancouver Police Department also provides access to full reports, policy information and regular updates regarding this project and other public safety initiatives online. Please visit the "Webpage Links" in the sidebar to learn more.

  • Vancouver Police Department Seeks Vendor Proposals to Launch Police Camera Program in 2022

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    The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking vendors to implement a state-of-the-art police camera program—including body-worn, in-car and on-dash cameras.

    The city is seeking proposals from vendors with proven long-term quality and high levels of experience and effectiveness in the criminal justice/police industry, including the ability to provide:

    • Cameras and associated equipment

    • Data storage

    • Implementation of the program

    • Training for officers

    • Ongoing maintenance and support

    “We look forward to the implementation of a department camera system to increase transparency and safety for both officers and the public we serve. This process will allow us to purchase a system that adheres to the highest standards and quality to meet our needs and the needs of the community,” said Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain.

    Proposals can be completed online or delivered by UPS, FedEX or the U.S. Postal Service no later than 3 p.m. (PST) on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. The full RFP and submission details are available at https://vancouver.procureware.com/Bids.

    The RFP process is an essential piece of a multi-step process to launch the VPD’s camera program by spring 2022. The Vancouver City Council approved $3 million in the 2021-22 biennial budget to fund the program. Once a vendor has been selected, the department will then hire staff to manage the program, test the cameras, train the police force, and install cameras in police vehicles.

    "We have been working with the community task force to establish a police camera program as a measure of accountability, transparency and trust,” said Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes. “This step of issuing an RFP to identify quality vendors who can implement the program successfully moves us closer to fulfilling that commitment.”

    The city’s Community Task Force on Policing, formed in the summer of 2020, is tasked with reviewing, and advising the city on establishing the camera program. The task force is also charged with reviewing and assuring accountability during the implementation of the recommendations in the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) use of force report. The task force represents the community’s voice in discussions and issues related to use of force, training, and data collection policies.

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  • Vancouver Police Department continues to implement improvements to use of force policies and practices

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    The Vancouver Police Department, in partnership with the city’s Community Task Force on Policing, has thus far implemented 31of 84 recommendations outlined in a use of force report completed by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) in June 2020.

    The initial review process began in June 2019, when the city commissioned PERF, a nonprofit police research and policy organization, to assess the police department’s policies, training, documentation, and data on use of force.

    “The Vancouver Police Department is committed to continuing to make policy and culture changes in an effort to improve equity, accountability, transparency, promote higher standards, and increase public trust and confidence between our department and the public we serve,” said Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain.

    Key police department changes implemented to date include:

    • Five key policy updates, including enhancing standards for use of canines and adding language requiring officers to carry a flashlight other than the one mounted on their firearm.
    • Two new bias and cultural awareness department trainings and the expansion of existing training curriculum, including the roll out of PERF’s recommended Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) training guide and associated training materials, to better equip officers for de-escalation in the field.
    • Expanded data collection efforts and transparency with the implementation of a new records management system to track police response and incident details related to use of force.

    The Community Task Force on Policing, a group of community members, city council members, police staff and the city manager, has been charged with ensuring accountability and transparency as the city implements the recommendations. The task force, which meets monthly, is also charged with overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive police camera program, projected to be implemented in spring 2022.

    “The task force has been highly engaged in helping move forward the implementation of key changes in policing practices,” said Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes. “We are grateful for their partnership as we work together in building a better system for our community.”

    The task force continues to work alongside the city to address the remaining recommendations outlined in the use of force report, with work anticipated to be completed by fall 2021. VPD will continue to address opportunities for improvement following implementation of the PERF recommendations.

    The community is invited to view the full use of force report and ongoing updates, and share ideas at https://www.beheardvancouver.org/taskforceonpolicing.

    The full PERF report, use of force data, the Vancouver Police Department policy manual and regular updates regarding this project and other public safety initiatives are available online:

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  • Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle Issues Statement on George Floyd Murder Trial Verdict.

    Share Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle Issues Statement on George Floyd Murder Trial Verdict. on Facebook Share Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle Issues Statement on George Floyd Murder Trial Verdict. on Twitter Share Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle Issues Statement on George Floyd Murder Trial Verdict. on Linkedin Email Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle Issues Statement on George Floyd Murder Trial Verdict. link

    "While today's verdict in the George Floyd murder trial brought legal justice to his family, bringing social justice to the Black communities across our nation will require continued acknowledgement of systemic racism, further work in policing reforms and establishing equity in our schools, workplaces and communities.

    The verdict may signal that our nation has turned a corner, but it is only a symbolic one. True change can only come with sustained efforts to transform our communities as safe places for all residents of all races. The City of Vancouver stands in support of our Black community members and BIPOC communities across the nation. Our roadmap is clear, and it is focused on equity, inclusion, safety and prosperity for all."

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  • MESSAGE FROM CHIEF MCELVAIN ON THE DEREK CHAUVIN VERDICT.

    Share MESSAGE FROM CHIEF MCELVAIN ON THE DEREK CHAUVIN VERDICT. on Facebook Share MESSAGE FROM CHIEF MCELVAIN ON THE DEREK CHAUVIN VERDICT. on Twitter Share MESSAGE FROM CHIEF MCELVAIN ON THE DEREK CHAUVIN VERDICT. on Linkedin Email MESSAGE FROM CHIEF MCELVAIN ON THE DEREK CHAUVIN VERDICT. link

    This afternoon, the jury in the trial against ex-police officer Derek Chauvin found him guilty on all charges related to the death of George Floyd. As the jury concluded, the actions that occurred during this incident were clearly outside the law, and absolutely did not reflect in any way the oath police officers take to serve and protect their communities.


    As the Chief of Police, I want to assure you the Vancouver Police Department remains steadfast in our duty to honorably serve the citizens of Vancouver with compassion, fairness, equity, dignity, professionalism, and accountability.


    Specifically, over the past 10 months, we have been working with the Vancouver Community Task Force on Policing to implement changes in our use-of-force policies, practices, training, and data collection, with the goal to better serve the public safety needs of our community in a way that proactively ensures just and equitable policing in our city, particularly for communities who have historically been marginalized. As the Chief of Police, I am committed to improving equity, accountability, transparency, and increasing public trust and confidence between the Vancouver Police Department and the community members we serve.


    The death of George Floyd, at the hands of a police officer, highlighted the reason why marginalized communities callout the historical racial inequities so many in our nation have faced and sparked emotions that have been long suppressed. In Vancouver, and across the nation, people have been coming together to have their voices heard. The Vancouver Police Department fully supports people lawfully expressing their First Amendment rights but do not condone violence or criminal activity as part of any of these gatherings. Criminal activities and violence only further fracture relationships in our community at a time when healing is needed.


    Only through communities peacefully coming together, and working together, can we achieve the change and solutions that will bring about a future we all desire.

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  • Vancouver Police Department moves toward implementation of police camera program in 2022

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    Press Release Date:

    Wednesday, March 24, 2021

    The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is moving forward with next steps toward implementing a comprehensive police camera program in spring of 2022, which is planned to include body-worn, dash and in-car cameras.

    VPD is working on developing a request for proposals (RFP) to identify vendors that can provide equipment, training, and other needed features to support establishing the camera program. The city is also engaging with the Community Task Force on Policing, as well as organized labor groups on the crafting of department policy regarding a camera program.

    The process of establishing a camera program for VPD requires multiple steps. The Vancouver City Council adopted budget capacity in the 2021-22 biennial budget to fund a program, and the city has engaged the task force regarding the approach to establishing a camera program. Reaching agreement with labor unions and selecting a vendor to supply the camera systems are early steps. Hiring staff to manage the program, testing the cameras, training the police force, and installing cameras in police vehicles will all be part of the plan to launch a comprehensive and fully operational camera program.

    “A camera program for the Vancouver Police Department is an important step to enhance the safety of, and improve interactions between, police officers and the public and increase protection of evidence during criminal investigations,” said Vancouver Police Chief James McElvain. “My hope is that these tools will not only assist in strengthening relationships between police and the community but will also help make Vancouver a safer community for all.”

    The city’s Community Task Force on Policing, which was formed in summer of 2020, is tasked with reviewing and assuring accountability during the implementation of the 84 recommendations in the Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) use of force report – in addition to reviewing and advising the city on establishing a police camera program, which was already under consideration by VPD. The task force represents the community’s voice in discussions and issues related to use of force, training, and data collection policies.

    "We are committed to serving the public safety needs of our community with transparency and accountability in this effort," said Eric Holmes, city manager of City of Vancouver. "Chief McElvain and I are committed to establishing a successful police camera program for VPD as part of our ongoing commitment to build confidence and trust with Vancouver residents."

    The City will continue to report on the progress of implementing the police camera program. For more information, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/VPDCameraStudy.

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Page last updated: 10 Nov 2021, 04:28 PM