Public forum on Burbank public safety issues set for Wednesday

Burbank police officials are scheduled to update the public on response times, the status of department investigations and other issues at a community meeting Wednesday.

It will be the third such forum, meant to open up access to the public, in two years, said Police Commission Chairwoman Elise Stearns-Niesen.

In addition to police resources, officials are also expected to update the community on recent wildlife sightings — which have included coyotes and mountain lions — and the status of the ongoing repairs to the police building.

Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse will also discuss the department’s Strategic Plan, a guide to continued reforms amid investigations into officer misconduct and excessive use of force.

Officials encouraged the public to attend the forum, where they will have an opportunity to ask questions and comment on public safety issues.

“The community forum has been established to create a more informal arena for the community to address the Police Commission and the police command staff with questions, concerns, praise, complaints, etc.,” Stearns-Niesen said.

Each person who wants to ask a question or speak during the public input part of the meeting will be asked to fill out a speaker card, similar to City Council meetings.

The forum is scheduled to run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Buena Vista Library Community Room, 300 N. Buena Vista St.

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-- Maria Hsin, Times Community News

Twitter: @mariahsin

Photo: Soufyane Tawil, 10, of Burbank, talks to Burbank mounted police officer Terry Schilf and his horse Texas at the National Night Out event. Credit: Tim Berger / Times Community News