Police renewing agreement with local civil rights group

The Hanford City Council is ready to update its agreement between the police and a civil rights organization signed more than three years ago with a goal of achieving a higher level of police accountability to the public.

On Tuesday, the council is scheduled to discuss the updated memorandum of understanding between the police department and the NAACP Hanford branch in a study session, and approve it later in the evening.

Hanford police and a group of citizens first agreed to a set of goals and understanding in 1984. The agreement was updated for the first time in 2005, when the local chapter of the NAACP negotiated a new agreement.

In October, the organization and police leadership came together in an amicable meeting, during which both sides found themselves agreeing on many issues, such as strengthening a partnership in preventing gangs, continuing efforts to promote police sensitivity toward all citizens, and stepping up on outreach to foster understanding among community members about police work.

The City Council will also consider approving an environmental review for future acquisition of land and construction of a rail crossing of the Union Pacific/San Joaquin Valley Railroad at Campus Drive.

In other business, the council will:

l adopt a mayor's proclamation of Jan. 23 as "Recognition Day for all Hanford Employees."

l adopt a mayor's proclamation of Jan. 19 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

l appoint new members to city committees.

The Hanford City Council meets for a study session at 4 p.m. and reconvenes for a regular session at 7:30 p.m. every first and third Tuesday in the Council Chambers, Civic Auditorium, 400 N. Douty St.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.