It’s now been more than two months since protestors began taking to the streets in Richmond. While their actions have led to the removal of Confederate monuments - demonstrators have also stayed focused on demands of police accountability.
Protestors’ policy demands in Richmond include an independent board of civilians with police oversight, and an alert system where health professionals would be the first responders in mental health-related calls instead of police.
While neither of those things have become reality yet, Eli Coston, a VCU researcher and member of the Richmond Transparency and Accountability Project, is hopeful that they will. City Council recently voted unanimously to create task forces to oversee the implementation of both reforms.
“There’s still work to be done absolutely,” Coston said. “But I think the momentum is moving forward on the issues that we’ve been concerned about over the years.”
One demand that hasn’t gained traction is banning the police from using chemical munitions. A resolution to create written policies about the use of those weapons was set aside until September.
“As a resident I find it very concerning that the police have been using these weapons with no written policies,” said Coston.
Another resolution to review the department’s budget was also voted down. Richmond’s new police chief told city council it would have negatively impacted officer morale.
