S-CCP Program’s Second Community Conversation with Law Enforcement to Explore Media Perceptions and Realities on Police

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 4, 2015

For more information, please contact:

Rafi Hasan, Director, Safe and Civil City Program, Community and Family Resources Department, 812.349.3559, safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov

Safe and Civil City Program's Second Community Conversation with Law Enforcement to Explore Media Perceptions and Realities on Policing

Bloomington, Ind. ‒ The City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Program (S-CCP) will present the second program in the "Community Conversations with Law Enforcement" series, on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton Street.

"Community Conversations with Law Enforcement" is a collaborative effort between residents, and the law enforcement community, about being proactive in addressing the community-policing issues through civil dialogue, as a way to build and maintain trust between law enforcement officers and the public. The first "Community Conversation with Law Enforcement," held on Jan. 22, 2015, initiated several discussions by members of the city's religious community, local media and community and student advocacy groups.

The second forum will explore the impact of mass and social media on our views of policing and how those forces shape and influence our perceptions and realities. "It is important as a community to address and engage in conversations to build strong ties and trust with the Bloomington Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Indiana University Police Department and Indiana State Police Department," said Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan. "By holding this forum, we can be proactive in creating a strong bond between our local law enforcement and our community in order to help shape a civil and safer Bloomington."

This discussion will include representatives from the Bloomington Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Indiana University Police Department and Indiana State Police Department. It will be moderated by Indiana University professor of Criminal Justice, Akwasi O. Bempah. Community members will be given an opportunity to publicly and privately meet with members from the respective law enforcement agencies.

"Community Conversations with Law Enforcement" is free and open to the public. Questions and requests for more information should be directed to Rafi Khalid Hasan II, Director, Safe and Civil City Program, at safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov or 812.349.3559.

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