~ In a joint statement released today, Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Police Chief Adrian Vasquez expressed their gratitude to the members of the Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission (LETAC) for their service and commitment to improving the community. This statement comes after the unanimous vote by Colorado Springs City Council to dissolve LETAC, with District 6 Councilmember Roland Rainey Jr., who serves as the Councilmember Liaison for the commission, also issuing a statement.

The joint statement from Mayor Mobolade and Chief Vasquez acknowledged the complex and difficult conversations that LETAC members were willing to engage in during their time on the commission. They also recognized that their work came at a pivotal moment in the city's history and played a significant role in moving Colorado Springs forward in meaningful ways. The mayor and police chief respected LETAC's decision to dissolve and thanked them for their dedication to strengthening the community.

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The Colorado Springs Police Department took steps towards transparency and accountability in 2021 by undergoing an independent, third-party audit. As a result of this audit, key recommendations were implemented, including strengthening use-of-force policies, expanding de-escalation training, and increasing transparency through improved data sharing. These actions demonstrate a continued commitment to progress and building public trust.

Mayor Mobolade emphasized his accountability to the people of Colorado Springs for overseeing the performance of the police department. He stated that he is fully aligned with Chief Vasquez in this responsibility and their shared commitment to leading with integrity, transparency, and results. Looking ahead, they plan on engaging former LETAC members and the broader community to identify new ways for residents to share input directly with the Mayor's Office. The mayor stressed that ensuring all voices are heard remains a top priority.

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Councilmember Rainey Jr.'s statement addressed concerns about dissolving LETAC by stating that it was not taken lightly by city council members or legislative staff. He explained that there was a comprehensive review of the commission's effectiveness, taking into consideration factors such as the need for continuous community engagement after the 2019 killing of De'Von Bailey and the national attention brought by the killing of George Floyd. While acknowledging LETAC's meaningful goals, Councilmember Rainey Jr. stated that it was clear there was a need to evaluate a new citizen-led body that reflects the evolving needs of the city.

With today's vote by City Council to dissolve LETAC, the next steps will involve a "warm handoff" of LETAC commissioners to the Mayor's Office and Chief of Police. They will work together to determine a new way forward for community engagement with CSPD. As Colorado Springs continues to grow, it is essential to have effective and relevant methods for community input and involvement in matters concerning law enforcement.

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