(Idaho Falls, ID) – In the wake of recent national and local protests, Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper is scheduling an ongoing series of presentations by Idaho Falls Police Department Leadership to the City Council so they may review and better understand police policies regarding use of force and officer training.

“Millions of people across our country have employed their constitutionally guaranteed rights to protest and to petition their government about their concerns,” said Casper.  “This is of fundamental importance. As elected officials, it is incumbent upon us to listen and do our part to make sure concerns are heard.”

Casper noted that protests in Idaho Falls and around the region have been largely peaceful and productive and that the Idaho Falls Police Department has been very proactive in reaching out to build relationships and foster trust in the community.  She stated that city officials have also received a variety of calls and message from residents and activists with questions or requests to review the city’s policies. 

Over the past year, the Idaho Falls Police Department already has been conducting an ongoing and comprehensive review of all department policies with an eye toward best practice. That review is still underway and has included the consideration of current leading best practice policies for policing nationwide.

Through these presentations, Casper hopes City Council members and the public, will have the ability to better understand and be assured the city and police department are promoting dignity, human rights and public safety for all in the community, something Casper says the Idaho Falls Police Department is already very good at doing.

“We are very fortunate that our police department has reached out to involve the community in what they do and how they serve the City of Idaho Falls,” Casper said.  “We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate how transparent we are and to open these processes for examination. There is always room for improvement, and by taking the time to understand and review policies we’ll be able to share that with the community and keep our commitment to hear them and ensure we have a safe, responsible and respectful environment for all citizens.”

Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson will present the policies and other relevant topics to the City Council for discussion over the coming weeks as a standing item on the regularly scheduled bi-monthly City Council work session agendas.  Those meetings are public and are broadcast online for the public to view. Citizens also can sign up to have Council meeting agendas emailed to them on the city website.

Residents can watch the council work sessions and all city council meetings by visiting www.idahofallsidaho.gov and clicking on the "Live Stream" link or by clicking the link here.

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Media Note:  For more information or to arrange an interview with city staff, please contact City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Bud Cranor at 208-612-8306.