On Tuesday, May 21st, the Community-Police Relations (CPR) Core Group invited a host of community leaders to a preview of the “Community-Police Relations in Your Community” forums, that will begin taking place in neighborhoods across the city in late June. Dozens of attendees came out for the preview on a terribly stormy night- a sign to CPR organizers of the dedication community leaders have in advocating for their communities.
In attendance were not only police ambassadors and neighborhood association leaders, but mothers and fathers who are concerned about safety in their neighborhoods now that summer is here; it’s hot and school is out.
David Waters wrote of the CPR Community Preview in a May 23rd article in The Commercial Appeal:“Safe in Memphis: Fear of, faith in police”
“Police officers and civilians glanced at each other and nodded as coordinators listed the challenges facing the Community-Police Relations Project. Police shootings and incidents. Constant negative media coverage. Lack of cooperation. Lack of trust.”
“People in some neighborhoods in this city feel like they are being occupied, not protected,” said Brad Watkins, organizing director of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, who led Tuesday evening’s gathering at the South Memphis Alliance.
“But the police are not the enemy. Crime is the enemy. The police and the community all agree that crime is a problem. People don’t feel safe.”
For the past nine months, several dozen police officers and community members have been meeting once a month in small groups, trying to get to know each other as neighbors — the first phase of the project.”
Waters highlights the that the CPR project is supported by Memphis Police Relations, Director Tony Armstrong and Sheriff Bill Oldham. Of the motivation for her participation, community leader and CPR Core Group member, Cherisse Scott, founder of Sister Reach, said “I’m in this process because I’m the black mother of a black son. My child has a learned fear of the police that I never taught him. That fear is not perpetuated by me or even the police. It’s just our ignorance of each other as human beings.”
Media opportunities to highlight officers in a more positive light will be forthcoming from CPR Media Team member Kelvin Cowan of the Tri-State Defender. The project, entitled “Good Blue” will highlight officers who often go unnoticed in our communities for the good they do once they take off their uniform, continuing their mission “to serve and protect.”aters highlights the that the CPR project is supported by Memphis Police Relations, Director Tony Armstrong and Sheriff Bill Oldham. Of the motivation for her participation, community leader and CPR Core Group member, Cherisse Scott, founder of Sister Reach, said “I’m in this process because I’m the black mother of a black son. My child has a learned fear of the police that I never taught him. That fear is not perpetuated by me or even the police. It’s just our ignorance of each other as human beings.”
CPR organizers realize that they don’t have all of the answers; the problems we face will not be solved overnight. But we do have a team of supporters led by both community members and dedicated officers who are willing to hold this space to start difficult, but necessary conversations.
We encourage you to get involved with the Community-Police Relations project. Share your stories and consider the question
“What is your vision for community and police relations in your neighborhood?
The first community forum will be held on June 22, 2013.
CPR Community Forum: Frayser
Saturday, June 22nd
Sign in: 11:30 am. Forum: noon – 2:00 pm.
Hosted by Rangeline CDC. Union Grove Church, 2285 Frayser Blvd.
For more information please contact:
Melissa Miller-Monie
Organizing Coordinator
(901) 725-4990
email: melissa@midsouthpeace.org