At a special meeting of the City Council on the evening of Wednesday, July 9, a number of items were discussed with the intention of protecting Culver City’s migrant communities while faced with attack from the federal government.
Action Item 1 (A1) called for, “Discussion and, if Desired, Provide the Chief of Police Direction on the Department’s Mutual Aid Policy and the Department’s Response to Mutual Aid Requests from Outside Law Enforcement Agencies.”
A presentation described Mutual Aid as, “Agreements between law enforcement agencies to assist with emergencies; CCPD is a part of Mutual Aid Area A; ?Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, UCLA PD, LASD West Hollywood; ??Typically for planned / coordinated events; ??Main purpose to provide personnel, resource sharing, equipment, and expertise; ??Examples of usage: ??Mass shootings, civil unrest, dignitary visits.”
Concerns were raised about the sharing of data between different organizations and jurisdictions, though CCPD Chief Jason Sims reiterated that state law prohibits them from cooperating with ICE. Then presentation spelled out that Mutual Aid, “is vital for law enforcement agencies; Enables agencies to collaborate, pool resources, including personnel, to address incidents that exceed the capacity of a single agency; Continuing participation ensures strong regional cooperation, enhances public safety, and mitigates liability concerns.”
The council requested that the CCPD provide a transparency mechanism to show when they respond to mutual aid requests and the costs associated. The chief agreed to regular reports.
Action Item 2 (A2) called for, “Discussion and, if desired, Provide the Chief of Police Direction on the Policies and Procedures Associated with the Department’s Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Program.”
Regarding the Flock program, a presentation pointed out that, “134 arrests of suspects driving stolen vehicles: ??26 arrests of suspects driving vehicles utilized in violent crimes; Numerous arrests of suspects in possession of illegal items; ??Including 11 “ghost guns”; Directly responsible for identifying 60 vehicles and suspects associated with felony crimes;?? Enhanced case clearance rates and an approximate 10% reduction in crime.”
Again, the issue was one of sharing data when immigrants are so under threat. A representative from the Flock program maintained that the data can’t be shared. However, concerns remained within the Council about the potential for data being subpoenaed, or the actions of a “bad actor.”
A motion to keep the cameras on but cease sharing the data passed 4-1, with Mayor Dan O’Brien the one no vote. That motion will be revisited every two months.
Action Item 3 (A3) called for, “Consideration of a Grant of $50,000 to a Non-Profit Organization that is Assisting Immigrants Impacted by Recent Federal Immigration Enforcement; And (2) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Related Budget Amendment Appropriating $50,000 from the General Fund Contingency Reserve.”
Council Member Albert Vera expressed concerns about donating any money given the financial situation that the city is in. Despite that, he suggested 100 percent of the $50,000 go to the YMCA (Culver-Palms).
Others felt that the majority should go to legal aid, due to the vast expense. In the end, the motion was for 50 percent to the YMCA and 50 percent to legal aid. That passed 4-1, with Vera the one no vote.