Thursday, June 28, 2018
The Springfield Police Department and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) will begin working together in July to review the department’s Internal Investigation Unit’s (IIU) policies and practices. Commissioner John Barbieri recommended this review in 2016 as the Springfield Police Department strives to stay ahead of the curve by ensuring it meets and maintains best practices in all areas of law enforcement and public safety.
Beginning July 9th, the Police Executive Research Forum staff will conduct several focus groups and individual interviews with Springfield Police Department Supervisors and Officers.
Commissioner Barbieri, Mayor Domenic Sarno and members of the Community Police Hearing Board will meet with members of the Police Executive Research Forum team as well. An invitation has been extended to City Council President Orlando Ramos as well.
“This assessment is truly about remaining accountable to the community we serve. It will help the Springfield Police Department update our IIU’s policies and procedures, as well as ensure the Community Police Hearing Board’s findings are promptly reported and accessible to the community,” said Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno added, “This continues Commissioner Barbieri’s progressive and transparent leadership initiatives of public safety professionalism.”
The Police Executive Research Forum will identify and make recommendations on where the department has room for improvement in its Internal Investigation Unit. It will help the Police Department streamline its reporting process by integrating advanced metrics in a new software package. It will also develop an early warning detection process for officers who may need assistance.
The Springfield Police Department selected the Police Executive Research Forum in February after it submitted a bid for a Request for Proposal and completed the procurement process.
The Police Executive Research Forum is a nonprofit organization which has been supporting policy development for law enforcement agencies since 1976.