Social justice advocates are reacting to Columbus' announcement of new police reforms ushered in by a U.S. Department of Justice report released Tuesday.
The report outlines several areas where Columbus police can improve, ranging from policies and recruitment, to technology, staffing and leadership training.
The DOJ did not look at CPD's use of force practices. That's a problem, said Aramis Sundiata, director of the People's Justice Project.
Sundiata called the report a waste of time and resources, but not a surprise.
"When it first when it came out, it was clear that there was no real discussion around what's actually happening, and how CPD actually exercise their power," Sundiata said.
Among the changes to CPD that city leaders announced Tuesday is the formation of a new leadership group, to be led by Assistant Chief Lashanna Potts and to include members from the mayor's office, public safety, the Columbus Civil Service Commission, the city attorney's office and the community. "This will hold the division accountable, and we can also update the public on the progress that we make," Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said.
Sundiata said new committees and new training will not bring about meaningful reforms. "Stop playing with people's lives. You're playing, you're coercing people, you are pacifying people. And at the end of the day, you just don't care, because you're not able to admit that something's wrong," he said.
The city has since asked the DOJ for further review that includes the police department's use of force policies.
