ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway on Tuesday discussed new recommendations for policing created by community members and local law enforcement officers working toward a common goal: a safe community.
Florida Police Chiefs Association Subcommittee on Accountability and Societal Change issued the recommendations in June after having "difficult conversations" about how to improve police practices.
Holloway served as chair of the subcommittee, which was created amid calls for police reform in response to George Floyd's murder.
He identified six main pillars that the group focused on:
- Building Trust & Legitimacy
- Policy & Oversight
- Technology & Social Media
- Community Policing & Crime Reduction
- Training & Education
- Officer Wellness & Safety.
Holloway said that the subcommittee members are welcome to “reform measures that are factual and balanced, ever-mindful of the dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, but equally committed to public safety and accountability.”
Chief Ken Albano, president of the FPCA, emphasized that the recommendations are community-driven, adding “this is not a solution but a step in the right direction."
The list of suggestions includes active bystander training so that officers feel comfortable stepping forward when they see misconduct, Clearwater Police Chief Daniel Slaughter outlined. He also mentioned improvements to the peer review process, which he compared to football players watching their tapes in order to perform better.
“Law enforcement is about being in a state of continual improvement," Slaughter said.
You can watch the full press conference below.
