Despite hesitations and fears that the reform might bankrupt the city, Ferguson City Council, on Tuesday, unanimously agreed for the implementation of a Police Reform Plan proposed by U.S. Justice Department.
The reform was brought to the table amidst the growing racial unrest in Ferguson that caught the international eye. Ferguson has been struggling through rallies and protests after Michael Brown, an 18-yr-old African-American citizen, was shot by Police Officer Darren Wilson.
Wilson allegedly shot Brown even after the African-American teenager raised his hands as an act of surrender. However, Wilson defended that he shot Brown after the teenager charged towards him through gunfire "like I wasn't even there," Independent reports.
The U.S. Justice Department, prior to the agreement, released a report of their investigation after the death of Brown. According to the investigations on the Ferguson Police Department, the reports states, "many officers appear to see some residents, especially those who live in Ferguson's predominantly African-American neighborhoods, less as constituents to be protected than as potential offenders and sources of revenue." The text also states, "Officers expect and demand compliance even when they lack legal authority."
This investigation prompted the Justice Department to propose the terms of the Police Reform Plan.
The city council accepted the terms of the reform after being assured that it will not cripple the city's treasury. In a report released by Reuters, the council requested for revisions in the agreement such as changing the pay levels for police officers and staff in the jail. They also asked for more time to comply with the said reform.
Before the acceptance of the said reform, the Justice Department sued the city council in Ferbruary. This is after the council refused to honor the agreement that they and the agency reached late January.
According CTV News, the council was hesitant due to cost concerns. According to an analysis by the city, $4 million will be spent in the first year alone of implementing the reform. On February, the Ferguson council amended the agreement with seven provisions that are mostly in regards with cost concerns.
Reuters wrote that, the agreement compels the police department to organize bias-awareness trainings and implement an accountability system. The city is also compelled to change sections in its municipal code which imposes prison time for a citizen who fails to pay fines. Ferguson also agreed, under the agreement that it will be ensured that police officers will not discriminate on the basis of race when they enact stop, search and arrest procedures.
