Erie Forms Mayor's Council on Community Safety
The new body aims to improve public trust and review police policy through three dedicated subcommittees.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Do you believe community oversight councils increase public trust in local police departments?
The City of Erie has created the Mayor's Council on Community Safety and Trust to review policing policies and strengthen public relationships. This council features subcommittees dedicated to governance, policy, and community partnership.
Why it matters
The council aims to foster better relations between law enforcement and residents by scrutinizing existing procedures. It seeks to formalize these efforts through a new ordinance currently under development.
The council is organized into 3 distinct subcommittees focusing on governance, policy, and community partnership. These groups are currently tasked with reviewing the Erie Police Department's Use of Force policy.
The players
Daria Devlin
Daria Devlin is the Mayor of Erie who initiated the creation of the safety and trust council.
Erie Police Department
The Erie Police Department is the local law enforcement agency currently having its use of force policy reviewed by the council.
The details
The council consists of a diverse group of residents, community leaders, law enforcement officials, and civic partners. While the Policy & Practice Subcommittee evaluates force guidelines, the Governance Subcommittee is working to finalize an ordinance to permanently establish the body.
Timeline
Mayor Daria Devlin formed an initial group in July 2026.
A town hall meeting will occur on November 16, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Political Context
The formation of this council follows a trend of cities scrutinizing police guidelines like the Erie Police Department's Use of Force policy. Opposition often stems from concerns over whether these councils hold sufficient oversight power or serve as performative measures.
Residents can participate in upcoming town halls to provide direct feedback on how policing impacts their daily safety and community relations. Future updates on policy changes and council milestones will be shared through official city social media and website channels.
The takeaway
This council provides a structured avenue for civic partners and law enforcement to collaborate on transparency. Residents should monitor official city communications to find opportunities to engage with the committee work.
What happens next
The Community Partnership & Trust Building Subcommittee will host a public town hall meeting on November 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the New Life & Spirit Revival Center, located at 315 E. 9 St.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit the City Hall section.
Live Poll
Do you believe community oversight councils increase public trust in local police departments?
