The four firms competing to monitor Ferguson's compliance with the Department of Justice consent decree are Ebevy YG, Lemire LLC, Squire Patton Boggs, and Police Performance Consultants.
The selected group will evaluate the police department and city court’s restructuring over the next several years. At a hearing Tuesday night, members of the public primarily voiced concern over budget issues and monitor’s ability to succeed.
Clark Kent Ervin, potential head of one monitoring team, acknowledged the task.
“We meet tonight against the backdrop of the events of just this past week, in Baton Rouge, in Falcon Heights, in Dallas,” he said. “This underscores what we all know: We have a nation in crisis. It seems as though the divide, nationwide, between the community and the police, between black and white has never been wider.”
Each firm responded to questions about community engagement, objectivity, the cost of their services and their ability to ensure compliance in the timeframe stipulated by the decree. The monitors have no influence on the budget issues Ferguson faces in making the police and courts change to fit the decree’s requirements.
Debra Kennedy has been active at protests and Ferguson governmental meetings. She remained concerned with the monitor’s ability to ensure accountability.
“I guess I’m looking for a monitor that’s going to hold the city of Ferguson and the Police Department accountable and hold their feet to the fire, making sure they abide by the consent decree within the time limits that are set.”
Some, like John Powell, expressed concern about community engagement.
“How do you intend to engage young people here in Ferguson, beyond established organizations, making sure they are engaged in this process,” he asked.
The public has through July 14 to provide feedback to either the city of Ferguson or the Department of Justice.
Ferguson:
Ferguson City Manager De’Carlon Seewood (dseewood@fergusoncity.com)
Ferguson Counsel, Jared Hasten (JHasten@winston.com ).
Or, phone: 314-524-5151
Department of Justice:
Amy Senier (amy.senier@usdoj.gov)
Phone: 202-616-2216
