YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - There are changes being made in the Youngstown Police Department after naming a new chief.


We've recently reported about a less intimidating way to file a complaint against an officer.

Now, the department is preparing to implement a new policy on bias-free policing.


"The enforcement of this policy is what we have to work at now," said Rev. Kenneth Simon of New Bethel Baptist Church in the city.

Simon has been a voice in the Valley calling for meaningful change in police and race relations.

After reviewing Youngstown's new "Bias-free Policing Policy" he called it a step in the right direction. He is a supporter of creating standard policing policies across the state and nation. But, says they then need to be followed up with action.

"You can have something on paper but if you're not enforcing it, if you're not taking it seriously, then it's just a piece of paper and nothing changes," said Simon.

Councilwoman Anita Davis is chair of the city's safety committee and a former Youngstown Police Officer. She said a bias-free policy is little more than a reminder of the oath officers already take to do their job "fairly and impartially."

But, what it can do is hold the department as whole more accountable.

"You send a message across the board - up and down the ranks - we are going to take this seriously. We want you to do your job," said Davis.

The policy is made up of three parts: Treatment, Compliance, and Training.

The policy details that biased policing is prohibited.

Officers and staff should "intervene" if an incident occurs and "report the incident to a supervisor."

The supervisor should respond to violations with training,
counseling, discipline or other intervention.

The supervisor should also ensure that those who report instances are not subject to retaliation.

The policy also says that at least annually, a summary of complaints should be provided to the Chief of Police or his/her designee.

And all YPD personnel will receive basic and periodic in-service training.

"It won't work. It's too broad of who's reporting it," said Councilman Jimmy Hughes, who is also a former Youngstown Police Chief.

Hughes said portions of the policy are too vague and wants more specifics on the kind of training officers will receive and who specifically will be responsible for reporting incidents to the chief.

"That's real broad and no one is going to be held accountable for it because it's a nod and a wink," said Hughes.

The policy is expected to be implemented next month.