Reimagine Safety

Council Continues Reimagining Public Safety Effort

In 2020, Columbus City Council launched the Reimagine Safety initiative after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis led to nationwide protests.

With thousands of written statements, emails and live speakers, Council passed a legislative package in July to begin the process of reimagining public safety in Columbus. The three priorities were alternative crisis response, investing in violence prevention, and investing in a better, more accountable division.

Historic advancements have been made to begin the process of reimagining public safety in the City. This includes the creation of a Civilian Police Review Board and independent investigations into allegations of police misconduct.

City Council seeks to outline a path toward a more just and equitable City by passing new legislation that reimagines public safety in Columbus. Each initiative, crafted with resident input, will support Council's ultimate goal of healing, rebuilding and strengthening Columbus.

These efforts are in addition to working with the Administration and the Department of Public Safety to immediately implement recommendations from the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission Report(PDF, 1MB), and the commissioned report by Matrix Consulting on the Columbus Division of Police(PDF, 11MB).

Columbus City Council shared its final report highlighting the results of its Reimagine Public Safety outreach and engagement efforts. An overwhelming portion of residents want alternative responses to non-violent emergency calls and programs to understand and address the root causes of violence.

Facilitated by the Saunders PR Group, more than 4,000 residents responded to the online survey, submitted ideas across multiple focus groups and town halls discussions. From December 2020 through early February 2021, these public engagement opportunities were conducted to hear the voices of the community and further understand Columbus residents' thoughts, opinions and ideas related to reimagining public safety.

"Council's most important role is to listen to the community and work to keep our community safe," said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. "This feedback will form the basis for Council's investments in reimagining safety and drive ongoing reform efforts."

Reimage Safety Report(PDF, 25MB)

Reimage Safety Report Interactive Flipbook

Reports and Data

• Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission Report(PDF, 1MB)
• Matrix Consulting report on the Columbus Division of Police Operational Review(PDF, 11MB)

Videos

• Joint Public Safety and Rules & Reference Committee Hearing on the Reimagine Public Safety legislative package on July 22, 2020.
• Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Reimagining Safety on September 3, 2020.
• June 25, 2020 Press Conference announcing the Reimagining Public Safety legislative package.
• Joint Public Safety and Rules & Reference Committee Hearing on updates from the Administration on Reimagining Public Safety on October 7, 2020.
• Public Safety Committee hearing on No-Knock Warrants on July 16, 2020.
• Joint Public Safety and Rules & Reference Committee Hearing with an update from the Community Safety Advisory Commission on July 15, 2020.
• Criminal Justice Committee Hearing on Hate Group Affiliation Background Checks on July 13, 2020.
• Finance Committee Hearing on Restrictions on the Purchase of Military-Grade Equipment by Police on June 30, 2020.