Camille Taylor
WJBC Forum
I read several articles on police community relations to prepare for this forum. Unfortunately, last Friday’s Pantagraph story was in error when it reported that public disclosure of a tape related to the Gabriella Calhoun case prompted several organizations to have a Police-Community Dialogue on January 22 at the City of Refuge Church.
In fact, the Not In Our Town Community Engagement Committee had already been planning the event for about two months. Nonetheless, everything I read supported the steps and the strategies the committee used to organize the event.
Some strategies listed to create positive change in community police relations were as follows:
1. Join with others who want to create change on this issue. The NIOT committee is co-sponsoring the event with the NAACP; the Minority and Police Partnership; the League of Women Voters; the Bloomington, Normal, and ISU police departments; the McLean County Sheriff’s office; the McLean County State’s Attorney; the Bloomington Normal Trades and Labor Assembly (AFL-CIO); and 100 Black Men.
2. Create opportunities for genuine community engagement. This event is open to everyone, and people are encouraged to submit questions prior to the event to the NAACP or via a survey on a website.
3. Address the history of mistrust and disconnection between the community and police. I’m sure the individual police representatives will discuss the history of their presence in our community and
4. Link dialogue to action and community change. Involvement is needed by young people and community leaders, and attendance at the event will include both. Certainly one of the goals for this dialogue will be to influence change where needed and create opportunities to dismantle stereotypes and mistrust.
In the wake of recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City it is obvious that poor relations between community members and police can lead to feelings of distrust, anger and fear. Citizens may think the police are prejudiced and have unfair policies. Police may feel blame for all kinds of social problems, and think they don't get credit for doing their jobs.