Iowa City Takes Step Towards Unbiased Policing, Bans Racial Profiling

Strategic Insights -

Iowa City is set to make a significant move towards creating a more equitable and just police department. The city council recently voted unanimously in favor of a new ordinance that explicitly prohibits biased policing and racial profiling within city limits. This decision comes after months of discussions and collaboration with the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP, who provided the city with a template for the ordinance. The ordinance defines biased policing as differential treatment towards individuals or groups based on demographic factors, while racial profiling is defined as a form of biased policing where a motivating factor is based on an individual's race, color, ethnicity, religion, or national origin.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iowa City City Council voted unanimously in favor of a new ordinance banning biased policing and racial profiling within city limits.
  • The ordinance was created in collaboration with the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP, who provided the city with a template.
  • City Manager Geoff Fruin stated that while the police department has had longstanding policies prohibiting biased policing and racial profiling, there was no existing ordinance to codify these practices.
  • The ordinance requires police officers to articulate reasonable suspicion and probable cause, and prohibits derogatory language or actions that belittle or show contempt for individuals of specific demographics.
  • Iowa City resident David Drustrup expressed concerns that the ordinance offers no real change to the police department, stating that it lacks substance and meaningful reform.
  • The city council will vote on the ordinance two more times before it becomes law.
  • A similar ordinance was approved in Coralville on November 10, also created with assistance from the NAACP.
  • The Iowa-Nebraska NAACP has done extensive work in collecting and analyzing national data to inform the ordinance.
  • City Councilors Mazahir Salih and Janice Weiner noted that the ordinance is a necessary building block for further addressing systemic racism in the community.

Statistics:

  • 26 people applied for appointment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission established by the city council.
  • 9 commissioners were appointed to serve on the commission until June 30, 2022.
  • The Iowa City Police Department has had longstanding policies prohibiting biased policing and racial profiling.
  • The city council will vote on the ordinance two more times before it becomes law.

Sources:

  • Brian Grace and Rachel Schilke, "Iowa City Takes Step Towards Unbiased Policing, Bans Racial Profiling"
  • Iowa City City Council meeting notes and resolutions
  • Iowa-Nebraska NAACP press releases and statements
  • Coralville City Council meeting notes and resolutions