Media Announcement

June 4, 2020

For Immediate Release

Mayor Johnson accepts President Obama’s challenge to review police policies 

SAVANNAH, GA (June 4, 2020) — Mayor Van R. Johnson, II is accepting President Obama’s challenge to review and reform use of force policies within the City of Savannah.

Mayor Johnson is a founding participant of the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Alliance, which focuses on building safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color where they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity.

During the alliance’s “Anguish and Action: Reimagining Policing in the Wake of Continued Violence” town hall meeting Wednesday, President Obama asked mayors to take a pledge to review use of force policies within their communities and commit to reporting on planned reforms before prioritizing their implementation.

The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is calling on mayors to commit to the following actions:

1. REVIEW your police use of force policies.

2. ENGAGE your communities by including a diverse range of input, experiences and stories in your review.

3. REPORT the findings of your review to your community and seek feedback.

4. REFORM your community’s police use of force policies.

“Most of these activities fall in line with the 21st Century Policing recommendations, which I am proud to say is largely followed by the Savannah Police Department,” Mayor Johnson said. “Savannah is well-positioned to swiftly and properly respond to this challenge, and we will lead and ensure we are responsive to and responsible toward those we serve.”