News Flash

Charleston Police Department Announces Independent Assessment of Bias Audit Progress     

Charleston, S.C. - Charleston Police Department is pleased to announce the initiation of a formal, external review and assessment of its progress in implementing recommendations from its 2019 racial bias audit. 

Of the 72 recommendations made in the 2019 audit, Charleston Police Department has completed and implemented 71 policy and procedure recommendations related to traffic stops, use of force, complaints, community-oriented policing, and personnel practices.

To fulfill the final recommendation, Charleston Police Department sought the assistance of experts in the field to conduct an independent review of all progress and implementations. Charleston City Council recently approved a research agreement between the University of South Carolina and the Charleston Police Department to collaborate on the external review and assessment. Research partners include Dr. Geoffrey Alpert, who will serve as the principal investigator, and Dr. Robert Kahle, who will serve as the evaluator and project facilitator.

The comprehensive project includes a fidelity assessment, subject matter expert review and assessment, citizen and stakeholder engagement and feedback component, as well as actionable findings and an ongoing assessment approach. Charleston Police Department has maintained a firm commitment to this vital work and looks forward to the feedback that the external review and assessment will provide.

The external review and assessment partners are scheduled to discuss the project and its timeline at the next virtual meeting of the Charleston Citizen Police Advisory Council on Tuesday, April 18, at 6 p.m. (Zoom #: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 895 8564 0964 or https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89585640964). All are invited to attend.