This section contains information on officer demographics and departmental initiatives related to equitable policing practices that was input directly by the department through a survey. Richmond Police Department (RPD) submitted its responses to the context survey on November 19, 2023.
Richmond, CA 2023
DEPARTMENTAL CONTEXT
Findings should be interpreted alongside context about the demographics of local residents, the demographics of sworn officers, and the department’s work toward racial equity.
RESIDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
The population of Richmond is 41% Latinx, 20% Black, 18% White, 16% Asian, 4% Multiple Racial Groups, 0.9% Other, 1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 0.2% Native. The total population of Richmond is 109,340.
ABOUT THIS ASSESSMENT
Richmond Police Department (RPD) joined CPE’s National Justice Database project in November 2020. RPD shared data with CPE in order to receive analyses intended to support community and law enforcement collaboration on data-informed efforts to advance equitable outcomes in policing and public safety. This assessment analyzes use of force data from 2019 – 2022, traffic and non-traffic stop data from 2022, and calls for service and officer-initiated activity data from 2019 – 2022.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY OF ITS KEY INITIATIVES
Richmond Police Department (RPD) has recently updated its policies on stops and data collection. In addition, RPD has implemented new training programs, programs to elicit community input on department policies/practices, and programs to reduce use of force.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY OF ITS RACIAL EQUITY INITIATIVES
In 2022, Richmond Police Department (RPD) successfully integrated cultural competence training for newly hired police officers. Recognizing the importance of fostering positive community relations, the department collaborated with diversity experts to develop a comprehensive training program. The curriculum includes modules on cultural awareness specific to the City of Richmond, implicit bias recognition, and effective communication strategies. The highlight of this training consists of an intimate conversation with the family of a young man who was shot and killed by a Richmond police officer approximately nine years ago. Officers can hear and understand how their interactions with the public dramatically impact other family members and the public.
In 2019, RPD pioneered a move toward transparency and community collaboration by inviting members of the Community Police Review Commission to participate in the hiring processes of new police officers. The Department sought input from these representatives to ensure a more inclusive and unbiased recruitment procedure. Commissioners were involved in asking questions, evaluating candidates, and providing feedback on the department’s selection criteria. This collaborative effort not only brought a diverse range of voices into the decision-making process but also helped build mutual understanding between law enforcement and the community. The initiative strengthened the hiring process’s credibility and laid the foundation for an ongoing dialogue between law enforcement and the community, promoting a more cohesive and harmonious relationship.
In 2022, RPD took a significant step towards fostering transparency by launching an online portal showcasing detailed use-of-force statistics. This user-friendly platform provided the community with easy access to information on incidents involving force, breaking down data by demographics, types of force used, and the outcomes of each encounter. Proactively sharing this information showed the department’s commitment to openness and accountability, dispelling misconceptions and building trust within the community. Annual updates to the portal demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to transparency and responsiveness to community concerns.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY OF ITS COMMUNITY OUTREACH INITIATIVES
Communication Channels
Richmond Police Department (RPD) has embraced the power of social media and public meetings, such as the City Council and the Community Police Review Commission, as effective platforms to promote department training, transparency initiatives, and informational tools. Leveraging these channels, RPD has been able to engage with the public more directly, fostering trust and improving community relations.
Through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor, RPD disseminates information about newly implemented training courses provided to new employees throughout the police department. These posts highlight the importance of ongoing professional development and showcase the department’s commitment to ensuring officers are equipped with culturally competent training materials. Transparency initiatives and new practices are also communicated to the public through civic engagement while discussing the programs with Richmond City Council Members and the Richmond Community Police Review Commission. All of these meetings are open to the public and are posted on the City of Richmond’s website.
Mobile Police Department
In 2023, the police department launched a transformative initiative, introducing a “mobile police department” that extends its reach to underprivileged areas within the community. This innovative approach aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and neighborhoods that lack convenient access to the central police headquarters. The mobile unit has vital community resources, including crime prevention information, victim advocacy staff, and other police services. This outreach ensures that residents in underserved areas can directly benefit from law enforcement services. By bringing the police department right into the heart of our community, the initiative fosters a sense of security, strengthens community-police relations, and enhances public safety where it’s most needed.
Human Trafficking Taskforce
In 2022, RPD reaffirmed its commitment to combatting human trafficking by resuming its active participation in the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Taskforce. Collaborating closely with the community and the district attorney’s office, this initiative is dedicated to the crucial mission of reducing victims from the grips of human trafficking networks. By leveraging resources, expertise, and community outreach, the task force endeavors to identify and dismantle trafficking operations while providing essential support and care to victims.
Assembly Bill 481 Compliance
In response to California Assembly Bill 481, the police department has undertaken comprehensive measures to ensure compliance with legislation’s directives regarding the public reporting of all military equipment procurement and possession. The department aims to provide detailed insights into acquiring and utilizing such equipment through meticulous documentation and transparency initiatives. By adhering to the mandates of AB 481, the department demonstrates its commitment to upholding the principles of transparent and responsible governance.
Community Involvement in the Selection of New Police Officers
In 2022, the police chief advocated for increased community involvement in the hiring process for new police officers by including members of the Citizen Police Review Commission on the oral interview panel for recommending applicants to the police chief for hire. The police department management team recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives and community representation in law enforcement recruitment. This process underscores the priority for the police department to partner with the community at every level.
