POLICY ON THE PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE

WHEREAS, Buena Vista County has received federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; and,

WHEREAS, Section 519 of the Department of Veteran Affairs and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act of 1990 requires that all CDBG recipients adopt and enforce a policy to prohibit the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within the recipient’s jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in non-violent civil rights demonstrations; and

WHEREAS, all recipients of CDBG funds are further required to follow a policy of enforcing applicable state and local laws against physically barring entrances or exits to a facility that is the subject of a nonviolent protest demonstration; and

WHEREAS, Buena Vista County endorses a policy prohibiting the use of excessive force and will inform all law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction of this policy,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Buena Vista County hereby prohibits any law enforcement agency operating within its jurisdiction from using excessive force against any individuals engaged in nonviolent civil rights demonstrations. In addition, Buena Vista County agrees to enforce any applicable state or local laws against physically barring entrances or exits from a facility or location that is the subject of a non-violent protest demonstration. Buena Vista County further pledges enforcement of this policy within its jurisdiction and encourages any individual or group who feels that Buena Vista County has not complied with this policy to file a complaint.

Information and assistance relative to excessive force complaints shall be provided by the County Auditor, who can be contacted at Buena Vista County Courthouse, P.O. Box 220, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588-0220 or 712-749-2542.

Adopted by Buena Vista County, this 3rd day of June, 2003.

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Signed: Herb Crampton, Chairperson, Buena Vista County of Supervisors

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Witness: Karen Strawn, Auditor, Buena Vista County