"Jose Mendez-Rios, 51, was killed on Feb. 4 after he allegedly charged at officers with a sheath they mistook for a knife, officers said in a press release following the incident. Six months later on Aug. 4, officers shot and killed 27-year-old U.S. Marine Angel Montano who was experiencing a mental health crisis, according to a recording of the 911 call made by a family member and shared by the department."
"Officers' handling of the Aug. 4 incident and subsequent public communication and release of information triggered a public outcry and demands for police reforms. Heeding those demands, councilmembers have adopted a revised policy that requires the department to issue a press release within 24 hours of an officer-involved shooting, provide regular updates on the incident and limit edits to body-worn camera footage released from incidents."
"Press releases from future incidents should detail what happened, the investigations that will follow, the agencies involved in those investigations, the types of resources available to people impacted by the incident and other information. Updates of the case and investigations will also be expected every 30 days. The policy also limits the types of edits the department can make to body-worn camera footage to only those required by state law that protect peoples' privacy."
Two people were fatally shot by Richmond officers earlier in the year, including Jose Mendez-Rios on Feb. 4 and Angel Montano on Aug. 4. The Aug. 4 incident involved a 911 call indicating a mental health crisis and sparked public outcry over police handling and information release. Councilmembers adopted a revised policy requiring a press release within 24 hours of any officer-involved shooting and regular updates every 30 days. Press releases must outline what happened, upcoming investigations, involved agencies and resources available to impacted people. Body-worn camera edits will be limited to those required by state law. The council directed steps to improve city-sponsored mental health services for people affected by officer-involved incidents and other traumatic events.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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