Listening Sessions
An initial Listening Session was held on May 22, 2021 which gave the public an opportunity to share feedback about policing in Modesto with City Council and staff. The goal of the Listening Session was to gather input from the community and was the first step in identifying opportunities to work together to enhance the safety of our community. Watch the May 22, 2021 listening session on the City of Modesto's Official YouTube Channel.
Staff anticipates that Forward Together will hold one or more additional listening sessions, following the development of core concepts for possible consideration by the City Council. Keep an eye on the calendar for possible dates.
Work Group Meetings
The Forward Together work group hosted its first meeting on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. All meetings of the full Work Group will be open to the public, with the details of in-person and virtual yet to be determined. Members of the Forward Together will spend 6 to 12 months developing a deeper understanding of current police practices and policies in order to develop specific recommendations for City Council consideration.
The community-based process is intended to provide an opportunity for broader community involvement in any recommendations to improve police-community relations in the City of Modesto. Watch the July 20, 2021 work group meeting on the City of Modesto's Official YouTube Channel, as well as subsequent meetings - generally being held on a monthly basis.
3 Areas of Focus
Following the May 22, 2021 Listening Session, the Council identified three areas of focus for Forward Together:
- Policies & Procedures - that support safety, fairness and equity throughout the department and the community.
- Alternate Response Models - that ensure the right type of response and resources are applied to a situation.
- Accountability - for police conduct, decisions and how they impact the Modesto community.
Forward Together has undertaken their work by forming three ad-hoc committees – one for each of the Council identified focus areas. Education and shared learning will provide the foundation for developing recommendations in each of the areas.
Policies & Procedures
Two sessions were held on policies & procedures: Part I on September 20, 2021 and Part II on October 18, 2021. These two sessions covered areas that support safety, fairness and equality throughout the department and the community. Watch live stream work group meetings via the City of Modesto's Official YouTube Channel
View current Modesto Police Department policies & procedures
Alternate Response Models
On November 15, 2021 a work group meeting was held on the topic of Alternate Response Models that ensure the right type of response and resources are applied to a situation. This meeting included an educational presentation and discussion regarding Alternative Response Models by Modesto Police Department personnel, and staff from Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. Watch live stream work group meetings via the City of Modesto's Official YouTube Channel
Community Health and Assistance Team (CHAT)
Beginning in the summer of 2020, the Modesto Police Department began exploring the idea of creating city Homeless Outreach Specialists to respond to qualifying calls through the 911 communications center for mental health crises and similar non-criminal, non-violent incidents. The first Outreach Specialists were hired in April 2021 and the early success of these interactions have been promising, helping to build relationships and work with individuals to accept shelter and services, resulting in the newly formed CHAT team. Learn more about the CHAT program.
Park Rangers Pilot Program
On January 25, 2022 the Modesto City Council approved an eighteen month Park Ranger Pilot Program that will fund four full-time Cadet II positions to be assigned as Park Rangers. The goal of which is to achieve a sustained presence in our city parks, trails and open spaces reducing illegal activity and ensuring these areas are safe for our community.
