The first of four town meetings on public safety issues was held Thursdsy night in Lexington. Topics covered included body cameras, police recruitment and de-escalating tension during traffic stops.
The NAACP sponsored meeting allowed citizens to communicate with law enforcement about public safety issues. Police Chief Mark Barnard says education promotes problem solving and critical thinking, and that officers with more education are likely to use less force day to day. He says recruitment is not based on quantity. "I want to make sure I'm listening to what the community is saying, what their expectations are for officers and then that's where we begin with that communication aspect of saying these are what traits we want to see in our officers," said Barnard.
Lexington defense attorney Rawl Kazee attended the meeting at Winburn Middle School. Kazee says building mutual trust between citizens and police is a priority.
Donald Whilhite told the group he works with young men of color on ways to de-escalate tension if stopped by police. "If I'm trying not to be a problem, don't make me a problem," said Whilhite. "If I'm complying before you ask me to comply, don't treat me like I'm not complying."
Chief Barnard says he wants to see police officer candidates with interpersonal skills who want to serve. Barnard believes body cameras will eventually become the national standard in law enforcement. ?
