The Greensboro Police Department will now require a report with an explanation every time someone is charged with resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer.
Deputy Chief James Hinson says this comes after community focus groups pointed out racial disparities in the prevalence of these RDO charges.
"We want our officers to go out and do their jobs in such a way that we know exactly what they're doing, and we have a clear understanding," said Hinson.
Hinson says the effort to increase transparency is intended to allay public suspicion of police.
"So, when the community asks us, 'Well, how many charges have been made in the last year as it pertains to Resist, Delay and Obstruct?' We can say, 'Well, we have a breakdown of these categories, and we can also give them the race and sex of the individual, as well."
Hinson says officers are also being trained in procedural justice.
"Procedural Justice is treating people with honor, integrity and respect; treating people the way you would want yourself or your family member to be treated," he says. "Why should an officer just go to a particular call and be the dictator, so to speak?"
Hinson says that involves listening to individuals they encounter on calls. He says he hopes Greensboro PD will serve as a model for other police departments.
