Lancaster City Police Chief Richard Mendez was questioned on police use of force policy and the March 2 bicycle incident Tuesday evening during the City Council Committee meeting.
Mendez gave his report on the police use-of-force policy and procedure to the public and City Council. Following the report Mendez was questioned by City Council members about the effects of the policy and procedures in connection with the March 2 incident. Lancaster residents were unable to ask questions because the review was not a legislative matter.
The March 2 incident involved police using force to arrest youths in downtown Lancaster City. The arrest went viral on social media and sparked concerns from Lancaster residents. Residents and activist groups attended to the March 11 City Council meeting to request more information on the arrest. Mayor Danene Sorace and Chief Mendez held a press conference on March 18 to address the incident. Mendez explained the use of force was justified and within policy guidelines, adhering to standard procedure within the bureau. Since the arrest Lancaster residents have asked about having an independent civilian review board of the police at past City Council meetings.
Mendez said the use-of-force procedure assists an officer in accessing a situation when a person is resisting arrest. Use-of-force reviews take place whenever an officer uses any of the use-of-force tactics such as physical strikes, chemical spray, tasers or pulls out firearm.
Officers are required to file a report on an incident before the end of their shift. Reports are reviewed by the officer in charge, chief or division captain. The review process includes reviewing body cam footage and ensuring the officer was following training and policies.
Mendez explained that that when a report is reviewed it is through the lens of the officer at that time, citing the 1989 Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor, which introduced the objective reasonable standard.
Councilor Ahmed Ahmed asked if there is a separate use of force policy for incidents involving minors. Mendez explained there is no separate policy.
Ahmed also asked, during the reviews, if there is any consideration of the officer’s past and if they have had previous incidents. Mendez response, “We view each incident on its own standing and merit…. I guess, I would say, now if an officer violates a use-of-force policy or any policy for that matter, then we use other violations to increase the discipline, and our discipline is covered under the collective bargaining agreement, which we’re bound by.”
Mayor Danene Sorace added her own personal story about trusting Lancaster police. Sorace clarified the call for a civilian review board and explained that Lancaster has never had a civilian review board. During her time as mayor there was a community and police working group, from 2018-2024. The group did not have a formal board, authority or commission. Last year the group merged with the Call to Action committee, led by the School District of Lancaster.
“I have not supported establishing a civilian review board because they lack authority. Existing review boards in Pennsylvania are purely advisory. Police disciplinary processes are governed by collective bargaining agreements, said Sorace.
Black Voter Outreach posted a statement on Facebook expressing disappointment with the meeting and the responses from Mendez and Sorace. “This administration has lost the public’s trust”
