Gadsden Council President wants a review of Police policies

Deverick Williams

Gadsden City Council President Deverick Williams has asked two council committees to meet jointly to look into police policies, including the use of body cameras and the use of deadly force. He’s also seeking consideration of a citizens’ review board to review police misconduct allegations.

Williams said during Tuesday’s council meeting he wanted the Public Safety and Community Development committees to consider establishing a special prosecutor who would handle police misconduct cases, and wants to further explore a community policing model for the department.

Williams said in light of the controversies over fatal police shootings in Ferguson, Mo., Cleveland, Ohio, and the death of a New York man while being arrested, the city should “talk about opportunities for the city to improve and review its policies.”

Williams said Chief John Crane has done a good job in developing and requiring the use of body cameras by Gadsden police officers, but, he would like to discuss that openly and make sure there aren’t any opportunities to improve.