Iowa CCI’s Racial Justice Team to share what they want from next police chief with Des Moines City Council 

With Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert set to retire this fall, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement’s Racial Justice Team members held a meeting last week to discuss the qualities they want to see in Wingert’s replacement. They plan to take a list of those qualities, including a petition, to the Des Moines City Council meeting, which will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 19 at Des Moines City Hall. Here is the agenda. 

Members have long criticized Wingert for not being responsive to community member concerns. 

“We want to give real community folks most likely impacted the opportunity to have your voices heard and be a part of this process,” said Sharon Zanders-Ackiss, Iowa CCI’s racial justice and equity director, during the meeting. 

About 50 people gathered at St. Paul AME Church to discuss the search. They divided into nine small groups and made lists on sticky notes. Group members expressed concerns about a lack of transparency in the hiring process, racial profiling by the police and the need for more mental health training for police officers, among other issues. 

“We want the city to know that this is not just another position. This is a position that is a vital connection between our families and our safety,” said Antwonette Shade. ”It is a role that requires a deep understanding of the values we hold dear. Who better to define those values than the people who live, work and raise families here.”

Here is a list of some of the issues meeting attendees said they want addressed by the incoming Des Moines police chief: 

• Accountability, interaction and listening to the community
• Prioritize data collection
• Demonstrate cultural competency 
• Mental health training for police officers 
• Transparency when police officers are reprimanded for misconduct
• Domestic abuse training for police officers
• Hiring police officers who are representative of a diverse community
• A police chief and police force who won’t criminalize houselessness 

“We are now pushing that community has a voice in hiring a new police chief here in Des Moines,” said Veola Perry, team member. 

Wingert has served as chief since 2015. His replacement is slated to be hired in the fall.