Title
Resolution recommending that the Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Police participate in Movement Forward, Inc.’s programs One Congregation One Precinct (“OneCOP”) initiative and National Faith & Blue Weekend.
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Whereas, the One Congregation One Precinct (“OneCOP”) Initiative, Movement Forward’s signature program, facilitates positive, ongoing partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and diverse congregations of every faith tradition; and,
Whereas, this includes organizing various crime and violence prevention/solving efforts, hosting public safety briefings, providing cultural and sensitivity training, conducting officer appreciation events, holding community safety workshops, and hosting forums focused on bettering the relationship between cops and citizens; and,
Whereas, in light of tensions currently felt between many civilians and law enforcement professionals, leaders in every relevant sector must work cooperatively to improve and strengthen relationships between officers and citizens before an explosive scenario occurs in their local communities; and,
Whereas, the purpose of this innovative effort is to curb mounting tensions between citizens and law enforcement officers by building partnerships and mutual understanding, as well as establishing a structured framework for the public to assist law enforcement efforts. Most major national law enforcement groups (e.g.: National Sheriffs’ Association, Fraternal Order of Police, National Police Foundation, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, et.al.) are collaborating with and have signed on to participate in OneCOP; and,
Whereas, the One Congregation One Precinct (OneCOP) model is a proactive rather than reactive approach to addressing tensions around police-involved incidents as well as ongoing crime and violence in local communities; and,
Whereas, OneCOP has several objectives that incorporate the six pillars outlined by the former Task Force on 21st Century Policing of the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
• Improve public safety through collaboration and information sharing to prevent, combat and solve crimes by tapping into the varied resources of faith-based institutions
• Increase community engagement with patrol-level police officers, via congregations, resulting in decreased bias and increased familiarity, mutual respect and trust
• Proactively create a direct link between law enforcement executives and community leaders in an effort to give voice to growing public concerns relative to policing; and,
Whereas, National Faith and Blue Weekend is a powerful initiative that builds bridges to more engaged communities. At the heart of this initiative is the reinforcement of connections between law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve through the reach of houses of worship. There is no resource that can match the depth of the faith community in facilitating productive engagement with law enforcement, which is needed now more than ever; and,
Whereas, National Faith & Blue Weekend is made up of people dedicated to mutual understanding and collaboration. It is organized jointly by the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (“COPS”), and Movement Forward, Inc.'s OneCOP initiative and sponsored by FirstNetTM Built with AT&T along with the Motorola Solutions Foundation; and,
Whereas, Faith & Blue was launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations. The initiative aims to re-calibrate police-community relations through solutions-focused, in-person, socially distanced and/or virtual activities that are organized jointly by faith-based or other community groups and law enforcement agencies; and,
Whereas, Faith & Blue was launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations. The initiative aims to re-calibrate police-community relations through solutions-focused, in-person, socially distanced and/or virtual activities that are organized jointly by faith-based or other community groups and law enforcement agencies.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recommend that Pittsburgh Police department participate in Movement Forward, Incorporated Programs, the One Congregation One Precinct (OneCOP) initiative and National Faith & Blue Weekend
Section 2. Council also recommends that the Director of Public Safety and the Chief of the Bureau of Police take the necessary steps to fully implement these nationally recognized programs in the City Pittsburgh.
Section 3. Council also recommends that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police partner with appropriate non-profit organizations and faith-based and religious organizations to make these programs successful in Pittsburgh.