Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said Friday she’s working with the council to create a police after-action review group.
The mayor said the small group of citizens will examine police discipline policies and procedures in critical incident cases that resulted in discipline approved by council. “This process is not meant to get in the middle of the disciplinary process. It’s meant to be an after-action review. Did it work the way we thought it was supposed to or not. If it didn’t what can we recommend to the chief and the process that would help going forward,” said Gorton.
Gorton called it a “solid next step” and something that can be done now. She said, for now, it would only pertain to critical incidents which may involve use of force. Gorton said it’s yet to be determined how far back to examine disciplinary cases. The mayor said she expected the review panel to be formed within the next couple of weeks.
Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said he supports creation of the group. “It will give people an idea of, at least some of our citizens and some of our council people an idea of what goes on in our disciplinary process and what my thinking is and I think they deserve that,” said Weathers.
Gorton said the panel can review whether the procedures and policies in place led to the action that was appropriate. She believes it can lead to changes. Saying she wanted to be clear, the mayor said Lexington has an excellent police force and it won’t affect how officers do their jobs.
The mayor previously named co-chairs for a separate group to recommend changes concerning racial equality. Gorton expects a report from that group in about two months.?
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Central and Eastern Kentucky. To support this locally-produced content, please consider making a contribution.
