Conversations on community policing continue Aug. 25

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice will hold the third of a series of special forums on Racial Justice Through Reimagining Policing at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 24, via Zoom.

Since the brutal murder of George Floyd ignited the already simmering crisis of the relationship of police to the communities they serve, Delaware, as well as the entire nation, has been deeply engaged in debate and discussion to deal with this crisis. The alliance’s special forums explore how to close the divide between police and communities. 

“This crisis demands moving to a different approach to police/community relationships,” said Clara Licata, co-chair of the SDARJ Legislative Advocacy Committee. “Currently, there is a law enforcement approach in policing that can result in an ‘us vs. them’ mindset.  This approach puts both police and members of the community in grave danger because it creates and fosters mistrust between police and the community. A different approach is needed.”  

In a series of conversations with stakeholders - police, community members, elected officials, academics, prosecutors, the defense bar, lawmakers, and others - Racial Justice Through Reimagining Policing provides a forum for discussion that will attempt to reimagine policing in order to bring police and communities together for everyone’s benefit.

Recognizing the need for police to conduct investigations, render aid, enforce the law, and take on the many other roles of a modern officer, the forum panelists discuss whether policing may be reimagined by building strong, trusting relationships with residents, networks of support for those struggling for various reasons, and building safe places within neighborhoods still facing many social problems. 

While the first two sessions featured government officials such as Attorney General Kathy Jennings, state legislators, and impacted members of the community, the third session will be made up of law enforcement personnel, including Chief Pat Ogden of the University of Delaware Police, Chief Keith Banks of Rehoboth Beach, Chief Tom Spell of Lewes, and Capt. Alice Brumbley of Troop 5 of the Delaware State Police.

The forums will examine the situation through the lens of how any suggested changes and reforms will bring police and communities together, with particular emphasis on relationships between police and communities of color. Discussions will center on how to get there, keeping communities safe, encouraging cooperation between police and residents, raising police and community morale, and taking other needed steps.

“The first two sessions have demonstrated the need to build a strong relationship between the police and Delaware community members.  But rather than emphasize the mistrust between the police and the community, the alliance is convinced that there is much commonality between communities and police that should, and must, result in constructive changes that can be embraced by all,” Licata affirmed. 

To register for the Aug. 24 program, go to eventbrite.com and search Racial Justice Through Reimagining Policing - Part 3.

The first two parts of the series may be viewed on youtube.com on the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice channel.