Columbus hosts town hall to address citizen concerns

At City Hall in Columbus, city leaders gathered to address concerns and questions citizens had about police procedure and the legal status of the Ricky Ball shooting.

City leaders tonight, city leaders gathered to address concerns and questions citizens had about police procedure and the legal status of the ricky ball shooting.

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(fred shelton) we're not taught that in academy and that's not an authorized technique.

(track) columbus police chief fred shelton is pointing to a picture of minneapolis police officer derek chauvin with his knee on the neck of george floyd.

He outlined the various use of force situations and what his police are trained to do and when.

He also stated that if a person experiences unnecessary use of force by police, to contact his office.

He and the police oversight committee in columbus review those cases and the body camera footage.

Shelton said that his officers are required to use body cameras and they are working to expand their technology to dash cams. (fred shelton) if it's a lawful action, we have a right to do a lawful action, our officers are trained and should know without a doubt because we have policies in place that they will be actually disciplined, first offense is 10 days, second offense is 30 days and then the third offense could be termination.

(track) columbus district attorney scott colom spoke at length about developing a class to educate the police department on inherant bias, which he asserted that are present in every person, not just police, and how to address it.

(scott colom) what we've gotta do is acknowledge that these biases exist and we have to police officers who are honest and couregeous enough to acknowledge to have what everyone has but yet be willing to receive the training necessary to address it.

(track) colom also addressed the ricky ball case.

He stated that his office, from a legal standpoint, can't do anything about the case, but they are petitioning the fbi to re-open the case, but according to colom that may be an uphill battle.

(scott colom) it's important that we not give the false impression that the fbi is currently looking at this case i don't want you think that i can force the fbi, under the current administration to investigate this case.

Colom added that he will be posting evidence from the case on his website for people to review and quote "make up their own minds" about the case.

Several other people spoke at the town hall.

As mayor robert smith put it, it's important to have these conversations, to hear the concerns as cities and towns across the united states try to create a better society for all.

The town hall was broadcasted on the mayor's facebook page.

A link can be found on our webpage