Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Police Chief Adrian Vasquez issue joint statement following dissolution of LETAC; Councilmember Roland Rainey Jr. also issues statement

Today, Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez issued a joint statement following Colorado Springs City Council's unanimous vote to dissolve the Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission (LETAC). District 6 Councilmember Roland Rainey Jr., who is the Councilmember Liaison for the commission, also issued a statement.

Joint Statement from Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Police Chief Adrian Vasquez

"We extend our sincere gratitude to the members of the Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission for their service, their time, and their willingness to step into complex and often difficult conversations. Their work came at a pivotal moment in our city's history, and their input helped move Colorado Springs forward in meaningful ways. We respect their decision to dissolve the commission and thank them for their commitment to strengthening our community.

In 2021, the Colorado Springs Police Department undertook an independent, third-party audit to enhance transparency and accountability. Since then, the department has implemented key recommendations, including strengthening policies around the use-of-force, expanding de-escalation training, and increasing transparency through improved data sharing. These actions reflect a continued commitment to progress and to building public trust.

As Mayor, I am accountable to the people of Colorado Springs for the performance and oversight of our Police Department. Chief Vasquez and I are fully aligned in that responsibility and in our shared commitment to leading with integrity, transparency, and results.

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing this work by engaging former LETAC members and the broader community to identify new and effective ways for residents to share input directly with the Mayor's Office. Ensuring that all voices are heard; clearly, respectfully, and consistently; remains a priority.

Together, we will continue to focus on what matters most: keeping our community safe, strengthening trust, and ensuring accountability remains clear, direct, and responsive to the people we serve."

Statement from District 6 Councilmember Roland Rainey Jr.

"Dissolving LETAC consisted of a multi-tier comprehensive legislative efficacy review that was not taken lightly by City Councilmembers, Legislative Staff, and LETAC Commissioners. The review took into consideration many critical factors including the need for continuous community engagement after the 2019 killing of De'Von Bailey in Colorado Springs and the national attention brought by the killing of George Floyd.

While the LETAC ordinance and mission embodied several meaningful goals, it was clear for the need to evaluate a re-purposed citizen-led body reflecting the evolved needs of our growing city.

The next steps after today's City Council vote is to conduct a 'warm handoff' of the LETAC Commissioners over to the Mayor's Office and Chief of Police who will determine a new way forward on community engagement with CSPD."