Over the past two weeks, Better Together and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) hosted their first four town hall discussions in communities throughout St. Louis City and County. Nearly 300 citizens came out to share their visions for the future of policing in the region. Discussion topics included hiring and training, accountability policies, community policing practices, and more equitable policing across the region’s 60 departments.
One participant remarked:
“[Police] need better training that is de-escalation driven. We should standardize use of lethal force policies.”
One resident suggested a civilian review board for all use of force cases.
On diversity in police forces, one citizen stated:
“The most important thing is to reconnect police officers and their communities. We need to have more police officers of color in communities of color.”
One north county mayor and former municipal police chief stated:
“We can solve this problem if we want to. If we treated each other like human beings. We have to start respecting each other. Stop pointing fingers.”
Another attendee wanted police to not just drive by, but to stop and talk to kids AND adults.
In addition to the four town halls, PERF and Better Together staff heard from an additional 120+ community members through individual and small group meetings. A diverse set of visions was represented through community constituencies, including: police chiefs, police officers, clergy leaders, labor representatives, business leaders, high school students, area state legislators, municipal mayors, and other local elected officials.
If you would like to participate in a focus group, or have a suggestion of a constituency group we should hear from, please email us at [email protected] .
If you missed the first round of town hall discussions, we have three more opportunities to participate. Please RSVP for an event below:
TOWN HALL #5
When:
Monday, February 9th at 6pm
Where:
Bridgeton Community Center (4201 Fee Fee Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044)
TOWN HALL #6
When:
Tuesday, February 10th at 6 pm
Where:
Genesis Catering (2651 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO 63125)
TOWN HALL #7
When:
Thursday, February 12th at 6 pm
Where:
O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex – YMCA (4343 W. Florissant Road, St. Louis, MO 63115)
Co-Sponsored By:
Missouri State Senator Jamilah Nasheed
If you are unable to attend any of our forums but want to share your vision for the future of policing, visit www.bettertogetherstl.com/policingfeedback and let us know what you think!
Current Study: Public Safety