HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Independent Review of 7.29.20 Thurston Protest AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 10/19/2020
Meeting Type: Work Session
Staff Contact/Dept.: Nancy Newton
Staff Phone No: 541.726.3700
Estimated Time: 30 Minutes
S P R I N G F I E L D
C I T Y C O U N C I L
Council Goals: Strengthen Public Safety
by Leveraging
Partnerships and
Resources
ITEM TITLE: INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF 7/29/20 THURSTON PROTEST
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Council discussion regarding scope and details of the Thurston protest independent
review and investigation with Rick Braziel.
ISSUE
STATEMENT:
The events surrounding City of Springfield’s response to a protest in the Thurston
area on July 29, 2020 prompted considerable interest and concern from the
community. An independent use of force investigation was ordered by the City
Manager. Rick Braziel was chosen by the City Manager to lead the investigation
and is under contract to complete this review by January 31, 2021.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1 – October 2 Media Advisory announcing investigation
Attachment 2 - Rick Braziel resume
DISCUSSION/
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
The total cost of this contract will depend on the work performed as is not to exceed
$35,000.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2020
Contact:
Amber Fossen, 541.726.3695 or 541.968.8496
Rick Braziel Tapped for External Investigation and Review
of Thurston Protest
Springfield City Manager Nancy Newton has selected use of force expert Rick Braziel to lead an
investigation and review into events surrounding a protest in Thurston on July 29, 2020. Braziel
is on contract through January 31, 2021 to complete this work.
Newton immediately ordered an external use of force investigation and review to provide an
impartial evaluation – a critical step to provide clarity, understanding, and meaningful change.
“I have every confidence that a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation will be conducted
into the Thurston protest,” said Newton. “The events of that evening prompted considerable
interest and concern from within our community and beyond. It’s important that we have
clarity so we can effectively evaluate how we grow and learn from this experience.”
“The Springfield Police Department will fully cooperate with all aspects of this investigation,”
Springfield Police Chief Rick Lewis said. “We are committed to the Springfield community and
committed to participating in this process.”
Newton has called for a transparent process that will include an opportunity for community
members to directly participate and provide their thoughts and experiences regarding the
protest at a future public meeting. The details will be made available to media and on the City’s
website and social media sites once a date has been identified.
Braziel will present to the Springfield City Council on October 19 to provide additional details on
the scope of the investigation and review.
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 2
Rick Braziel Biography
Rick Braziel conducts organization assessments, critical incident reviews, and instructs in
teambuilding, communication skills, community policing, and leadership. He was a member of
the Sacramento Police Department for more than 33 years, including five years as Chief. He is
the former Inspector General for Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department.
Braziel is Vice Chair of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, an
Executive Fellow at the National Police Foundation, and a guest speaker regarding critical
incidents throughout the United States and Canada.
He was the lead investigator in the review of the police response to former LAPD Officer
Christopher Dorner. He was a member of a team reviewing the riots in Ferguson Missouri and
the St. Louis County Police Collaborative Reform Initiative. Braziel also completed a review of
the Stockton Police response to the Bank of the West robbery and hostage taking, and the
review of the December 2, 2015 terrorists attack in San Bernardino.
Braziel has also reviewed Washington State Patrol’s recruitment and retention, Baltimore Police
Department’s staffing, and Pasadena Police Department use of force policies. He is currently
reviewing the 2016 shooting of two Fremont California Police Officers, and conducting an
administrative review of the Oakland Police Department’s response to recent protests.
Braziel works with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reviewing
system-wide training and leadership development. He is co-author of the book, COP TALK:
ESSENTIAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR COMMUNITY POLICING. Braziel holds a Master’s
Degree in Communication from CSU Sacramento and a Master’s Degree in Security Studies
from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Attachment 1, Page 2 of 2
Attachment 2, Page 1 of 4
Attachment 2, Page 2 of 4
Attachment 2, Page 3 of 4
Attachment 2, Page 4 of 4