From: Liz You ng (m ailto:lyoung@dummieryoung.

com1
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2020 11:24 AM
To: Davenport, Darnell D.
,.
Subject : Determination Hearings

Chief,

I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know how much I appreciate how you handle your
determination hearings. Out of the 800-900 officers Birmingham has, a large majority of them will
never have a one on one conversation with any of the four chiefs except at disciplinary hearings. Because
of
this, an officer may judge the entire administration as a whole off off a five minute hearing he or she has
before you. Whether or not they feel like they were treated fairly has a direct impact as to the
department's overall morale which is so important during these times. Being "treated fairly'' does not
mean that an officer is not disciplined. It simply means the officer felt heard and respected during the
process. The manner in which you conduct the hearings by being respect ful, casual and giving them a
chance to speak candidly without intimidation allows them to leave the room feeling as though they've been
respected regardless of the outcome. Your willingness to engage in conversation and give the
officer feedback from your perspective does much more in terms of correcting problems and behavior
than any discipline could ever do.

I want you to know that myself, the FOP and many officers have recognized your efforts. I greatly
appreciate the value you bring to the process.

Liz Young
Attorney/ Partner
Dummier Young
LLC (205) 631 -8004

Locations:
1400 21st Way South
Birmingham, AL 35205

931 Shari! Ave, Suite 219

Gardendale, AL 35071

DY
D UM M I ER YOUNG