Police Executive Research Forum Report

Our Duty of Responsibility and Accountability

The City of Fredericksburg strives to be its absolute best for its residents. As our nation is faced with important and dynamic change, those who serve and protect us understand it is necessary to continuously evaluate responsible approaches and appropriate responses to maintaining the safety of the public while also respecting our residents’ freedom of speech.

The City of Fredericksburg enlisted the Police Executive Research Forum, also known as PERF, to conduct an independent review of the City’s law enforcement response and instances of use of force during demonstrations that occurred in Fredericksburg between May 31, 2020 and June 2, 2020, during a time of dynamic and extraordinary circumstances in our community and our nation.

The PERF Report will be a valuable tool in assisting our Police Department as they continuously evaluate and implement best practices to ensure the safety of our community while also respecting our community’s freedom of speech.

Independent Review Process

The third-party independent consultants leading the PERF Report engaged a broad and diverse representation of our community’s stakeholders, members of the general public, policy makers, active-duty officers and leadership teams as part of their in-depth analysis.

In an effort to ensure transparent communications on the process the City is undergoing as it strives to advance its services and community, full access to the PERF report will be provided below.

PERF Final Report, February 3, 2021 (PDF)

Proposed Next Steps

February 9, 2021 - Council Meeting, Agenda Item: Receiving The Transmittal Of The PERF Report And Establishing A Review Framework, February 4, 2021
February 12 - March 31, 2021 - City Council seeks public comment through the City's website, among other means. Complete the public questionnaire here.
Proposed for March 2021 - Preliminary verbal report by Police Chief to City Council
Proposed for April 2021 - City Council should receive public comment and Police Chief's written, formal response

Public Comment Questionnaire

The City of Fredericksburg is committed to engaging its community in important conversations. Please assist us in gathering public comment on the recently published Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Report reviewing police activities during public demonstrations in May and June 2020 by providing feedback and answering our brief questionnaire. All information may be provided anonymously and questionnaire results will be shared with Fredericksburg City Council. Optional demographic information is requested after the open comment section to assist us in confirming community representation in this questionnaire. This survey will remain open through March 31, 2021 and will be closed on April 1, 2021. Complete the public questionnaire here.

Serving and Protecting Our Entire Community

The Fredericksburg Police Department’s dedicated officers and administration continuously review action items and advancements in policy and process as it fulfills its responsibly to serve and protect the entire community safely. In advance of the PERF Report, the Fredericksburg Police Department recently adopted policy changes, expanded the Citizen Advisory Panel, and expanded departmental information events for the public. Their CALEA reaccreditation 1 year review was completed in December 2020, in which our Police Department achieved 100% compliance with the 114 standards that were reviewed. Read more.

Report's Impact on Racial Equity Plan

As our community undergoes an important and thorough planning process to develop the City of Fredericksburg’s Racial Equity Plan, the PERF Report recommendations will be given great consideration as part of that discussion and planning effort.

The City’s goal is to build strong, transparent relationships with our community and this report is part of that process. We understand that we are living in very dynamic times and our purpose is to serve and protect our citizens, while continuously advancing how we do so in the most responsible and responsive manner possible. Read more about the City's Racial Equity Planning and Initiatives.