Renne Public Law Group launches Police Reform Practice Group

In the wake of George Floyd’s killing and numerous police shootings of unarmed residents, public agencies across the nation are re-examining policing and public safety amidst public demands for reform, restructuring and racial justice. Recognizing this urgent need, Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) has formed a multi-disciplinary Police Reform Practice Group to serve as a resource for public agencies navigating this complicated and urgent issue.

“Few doubt the need for police reform and new approaches to public safety, but converting the public’s interest in reform into concrete changes that can be practically implemented is a challenge for public agencies,” said Founding Partner Jon Holtzman. “For example, there’s widespread agreement that there are more effective resources to respond to mental health and homelessness calls. However, multidisciplinary responses to these issues can pose logistical and economic challenges. RPLG’s attorneys and consultants bring a broad range of experience and perspectives to help our clients work through these challenges.”

RPLG has taken on a variety of roles in police and public safety reform efforts. The firm has been retained to help craft and defend police reform ballot measures, including the City of Berkeley’s Measure II, which passed with over 80 percent of the vote in the November 2020 election. In addition, RPLG served as special counsel for the Fresno Commission on Police Reform, helping produce a 292-page report with recommendations for policy changes, and is providing legal and technical support to the City of Berkeley’s “Police Re-Imagining” process.  RPLG has been asked to revise use-of-force policies, facilitate blue-ribbon committees, develop oversight models, negotiate and defend changes in policies, and work with public and community stakeholders to develop innovative approaches in this rapidly-changing field.

The RPLG team brings deep knowledge and a wide range of experience to the Police Reform Practice Group’s work. RPLG attorneys are available to help agencies navigate rapidly-changing state laws and implement local rules to effectuate the goals of these laws. On police reform matters, the team’s extensive work in labor negotiations helps guide negotiations with police unions; we can advise on use of force policies (including standards related to de-escalation and proportionality), discipline systems, police culture, qualified immunity, and other aspects of police department operations.  Attorneys are prepared to help gather input from all relevant stakeholders and design civilian oversight mechanisms to meet the competing needs of speed, transparency and fairness.

In assisting clients in efforts to improve their approaches to public safety, we bring to bear our extensive experience in public finance, administrative restructuring, civil service systems, and all aspects of local government law.   We also offer non-attorney policy expertise through our consulting group RPLG.Solutions, and lobbying services at the state level through our policy arm, Renne Public Policy Group.  Our attorneys and consultants are available to assist with internal affairs investigations or to audit internal investigations.