On Friday, May 14, Renne Public Law Group (RPLG) Founding Partner Jon Holtzman and Senior Associate Jamal Anderson presented on police reform at the League of California Cities annual City Attorneys Conference. The presentation explored the wide range of initiatives and policy changes on the table for cities addressing police reform in California.

As members of RPLG’s Public Safety Reform and Innovations Practice Group, both Jon and Jamal are experienced in legal and policy matters related to policing. Jamal served as Deputy District Attorney in San Mateo County for six years, where he worked closely with law enforcement agencies, and has also worked for a number of elected officials, including the former Mayor of Washington, DC. Jon is a veteran of innumerable negotiations with police unions over wages, hours and departmental policies, including numerous police reform initiatives.

“Cities have started the process of reexamining policing and public safety models amidst demands for reform, restructuring and racial justice,” said Jamal. “Through the Public Safety Practice Group, we’ve had the opportunity to get involved in these important efforts on the ground and help public agencies move forward with practicable reform measures that account for the needs of diverse stakeholders.”

RPLG has been retained to help craft and defend police reform ballot measures, revise use of force policies and serve as lead counsel for a major California city commission formed to carry out police reform, among other efforts.

“The City Attorneys Conference was another valuable opportunity for public officials to engage in rapidly developing issues and learn from one another,” said Jon. “We were honored to be included again this year.”

RPLG practices throughout California, advising and advocating for public agencies, nonprofit entities, individuals and private entities in need of effective, responsive and creative legal solutions.