Mark Fero

The Ceasefire Virginia strategic plan is a violent crime reduction strategy implemented by the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia. It focuses on four pillars: Partnerships & Community Engagement, Prevention & Intervention, Suppression, and Accountability. The plan aims to reduce violent crime by establishing and expanding partnerships, with specific objectives including a 10% decrease in homicides in Virginia by the end of 2024, a 5% reduction in firearm-related violent crimes, a 5% decrease in combined homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies in Ceasefire localities, and a 95% conviction rate in relevant cases. This preliminary report evaluates the implementation and impact of these strategies.

The meeting included updates on the Ordinance review, discussion on FOIA and rules on retention, and an appeal in the pipeline. The commission discussed scheduling in-person vs. virtual meetings for 2023 and scheduling an AAP vendor to speak with the commission. Updates were provided on the EEO Standing Committee, Equality Taskforce, Hunter Award, Tiffany Jocelyn, Education, and Police Practices Group.

The meeting included a presentation on Destination 2027, Arlington's Plan for Achieving Health Equity by 2027, focusing on health disparities within the county. Commissioners discussed the creation of a website page to provide information on the Equity Resolution passed by the Board, including details on the COG co-hort and related opportunities. Updates were provided on the planning of the J.B. Hunter award ceremony and further outreach efforts in the community. There was also a discussion about the procurement process for the barrier analysis project.

The meeting included discussions on a follow-up meeting with the County Attorney regarding FOIA and the Conflicts Act, access to the Commissioner Handbook, and the inclusion of outside 'referral/deferral' statistics in the monthly inquiries statistics report. There was a report on the Alexandria Juvenile Detention center tour and discussion of the EEO Standing Committee. Commissioners were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Arlington County Human Rights ordinance. Information was provided on the Equality Task Force, and plans were discussed for upcoming forums, including one on Ageism in April 2019.

The meeting included discussions on the Affirmative Action Plan vendor delivering a training to the HRC. An update was provided on the Equality Taskforce's efforts to gather information for the Municipal Equality Index (MEI), focusing on conversion therapy legislation, benefits for same-sex partners, and the implementation of the Anti-bullying policy. The Chair updated the Proposed Recommendations to the Ordinance, including the drafting committee's history and ongoing work with the CAO. Member Kernodle discussed outreach to the Board through Black Parents of Arlington, highlighting concerns in schools and the need to investigate issues harming marginalized children. The HRC unanimously approved Option 1, which involves submitting a revision that only adds Schools to Ordinance Scope, accompanied by an advocacy piece explaining the urgency.