Have you seen the news on the DMPD?

Our work to combat racial profiling in the state's capital city took another step forward yesterday with the release of a report by 21st Century Policing on the policies, practices, and culture of the Des Moines Police Department (DMPD).

In case you missed it, check out the coverage from MyABC5, KCCI, and the Des Moines Register.

This independent report confirms much of what we've been telling the Des Moines City Council since 2018 - the DMPD needs to do more to combat racial profiling and involve the community in efforts to ensure accountability and transparency.

We're cautiously optimistic that this report, coming on the heels of another report by Public Works, LLC, will spur needed changes on:

• data collection and transparency on all traffic stops

• the creation of a Community Review Board to independently review cases of police misconduct, and

• greater involvement of the residents of Des Moines

It shouldn't have taken two independent reviews and 5 years of stall tactics by the city to acknowledge this. But thanks to the dedication and persistence of members like yourself, we've brought these issues to the light for all to see. Thank you. Now we've got to keep at it.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks on how we can ramp up pressure on the council and Chief Wingert to finally implement these changes to ensure better, and healthier, policing in our communities. Our work isn't done, but we're getting there.