To support and advance Wake Forest’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for every member of the campus community, Vice President for Campus Life Penny Rue has established the Police Accountability Task Force.
The Task Force, which includes faculty, student and alumni representatives, is charged with overseeing the implementation of recommendations related to University Police made in a report by independent consultants following a review in Spring 2014 of concerns regarding racial bias.
In addition, the Task Force will work to identify other initiatives related to University Police that could contribute to a safe and inclusive environment.
“In our ongoing work to build community, the formation of this group is an important step,” said Rue.
Professor of Law Kami Simmons has been named chair of the Task Force.
“The Williams/Moss report identified several areas for improvement for the University and the police department,” said Simmons, who also directs the School of Law’s Criminal Justice Program and is a former assistant U.S. attorney. “Many constituencies across campus are seeking increased transparency and accountability. The job of the task force will be to ensure that the recommendations in the report are implemented in a timely and effective manner. I look forward to serving on the task force and working toward this goal.”
Other members include:
Barbee Oakes, Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion
Adam Goldstein, Dean of Students
Simone Caron, Professor of History
Kari Reese, Human Resources Partner, Human Resources Department
Marchel Ebron, Wake Forest Senior
Jennifer Martin, Chief Assistant District Attorney and Wake Forest Alumna
Dina Marty, Legal Counsel, Wake Forest Legal Department
In coordination with the University’s legal department, the Task Force will also be responsible for:
Ensuring appropriate education and training programs are developed and implemented for University Police personnel;
Staying informed about and assessing the levels and patterns of bias reports that may pertain to the University Police Department;
Ensuring that members of the community know how to report claims of bias and that such claims are investigated appropriately;
Recommending a process for ongoing monitoring of compliance when appropriate.
