photo by Dave Waddell
Margaret Swick
by Dave Waddell
They aren’t yet holding hands and singing “Kumbaya,” but citizens wanting culture change at Chico PD are in basic agreement with Police Chief Mike O’Brien on principles for reform.
The group, Concerned Citizens for Justice (CCJ) — which will hold its monthly community meeting this evening — has produced a six-point plan for reform to encourage use of de-escalation practices by Chico police and to ensure there is training in behavioral health crisis intervention.
CCJ meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Rhema Hall, 574 E. 12th St. in Chico.
CCJ leader Emily Alma, a longtime critic of what she calls the “tactics of intimidation” of the Chico Police Department, said O’Brien has been receptive to the group’s concerns.