Advocates say the ordinance will protect vulnerable members of the community including immigrants and those who are homeless. Supporters are also hopeful the new measure will encourage collaboration with law enforcement.
In a public forum Saturday, many community members discussed the need for a public defender's office. There was opposition, too, mostly from defense attorneys in the county.
Lionel A. Womack, a former Kansas City, Kansas, Police detective, was shot and killed by a current officer Monday afternoon. Womack, 36, was fired last year for "numerous" policy and conduct violations.