Media Alert*
For Immediate Release
August 8th, 2019

Athens, Georgia- August 12th, 2019 Athens Anti Discrimination Movement (AADM), Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition (AIRC), the Racial Justice Task Force (RJTF) at Oconee Street United Methodist Church, and Athens for Everyone (A4E) are coming together to host a roundtable discussion about the proposed Community Police Review Board (CPRB). Participants will be joined by Mayor Kelly Girtz, who will share updates on the plans to establish such a board and announce a formal public input process.

Since 2018, we’ve been hard at work raising awareness and advocating that the local government create a Community Police Review Board designed to ensure that Athens-Clarke County police be held accountable to the communities they serve, and especially to those most disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. Boards like these exist in cities across the country, but the models vary. AADM, AIRC, the RJTF, and A4E support a Community Police Review Board with the powers necessary to issue recommendations and ensure independent oversight and investigative power into police misconduct.

On August 12, participants will hear from these community groups about their shared priorities for a CPRB and from Mayor Kelly Girtz on the ACC Government’s plans to roll out a CPRB. Participants will have the opportunity to take a look at how these boards are structured in other parts of the country and share ideas for what a model might look like that is tailored to the needs of Athens-Clarke County.

In addition, child care is available with 48 hours’ notice. Please email contact@athensforeveryone.com to request.

For more information please contact jasminejohnson@gmail.com or athensantidiscrimination@gmail.com