LISTEN: City Council meeting over proposed VCU police changes descends into uproar
The City Council voted to approve the measure Monday. Photo by Erin Edgerton.
CT Staff Report
The City Council voted Monday to approve a measure that will nearly double the jurisdiction of the VCU Police Department.
Councilwoman Reva Trammell, who voted in favor of the ordinance to expand the VCU Police Department’s Jurisdiction, spoke about the expansion proposal prior to a recess, which was called after an argument broke out on the floor of the council.
“I do not appreciate color being brought into this discussion,” Trammell said. “Because I know when we call 911, we don’t get on the phone and say, ‘Give me a white officer, give me a black officer.’ We have, in the past, asked to have a ‘Hispanic’-speaking police officer in our district so they can communicate with some of the citizens.”
Trammell, the longtime chairwoman of the council’s public safety committee, coming to Venuti’s aid now. She’s heckled by some in the audience. Things are getting out of control now.
— Mark Robinson (@__MarkRobinson) January 29, 2019
Among those comments, Trammell said: “I don’t appreciate color being brought in to this discussion.” She also questioned whether the people who were opposing the paper were homeowners in the city, which drew shouts from the room.
— Mark Robinson (@__MarkRobinson) January 29, 2019
Newbille reconvenes the meeting and immediately asks the clerk to call for a vote. It’s 7-2 to expand VCU Police’s jurisdiction. Jones and Agelasto voted no.
— Mark Robinson (@__MarkRobinson) January 29, 2019
