New community forum highlights interactions with police

334009506 875765686833160 3408889992878430396 n — A new community forum will address public interactions with Huntsville police. (Huntsville Police Department via Facebook)

Efforts to bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement have increased over the last couple of years, and here in Huntsville, our police are following suit.

The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council has partnered with the Huntsville Police Department to host a community forum this week on tips for handling police encounters. Here’s what to know:

191392242 5471703196233781 4948455044647624889 n — Huntsville police’s community forum is March 14 at North Huntsville Public Library. (Huntsville Police Department via Facebook)

Huntsville Police want to ensure citizens know how to interact with a police officer if they’re stopped or encounter one in the community. Doing so makes any experience with officers less stressful and safer for everyone involved, hence the reason for this community forum.

“Knowing what to do during a police encounter is critical for everyone’s safety and well-being. Although it might be inconvenient or frustrating, officers have a number of reasons why they might stop you. We hope you attend this forum to learn more about how to safely and calmly engage during an interaction.”
Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles

Here’s some info on the forum:

Where: North Huntsville Public Library (3011 Sparkman Drive NW)
When: March 14, 5:30PM
More Info

The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council

288773764 5197552526990529 3119823660173153264 n — The HPCAC serves to promote productive police and community interaction and foster mutual trust by assisting the police. (HPCAC via Facebook)

The co-host of this event, the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council, serves to promote productive police and community interaction and foster mutual trust by assisting the police in achieving a greater understanding of the complex social fabric of the community.

The HPCAC brings a citizen’s perspective on the policies and procedures of law enforcement and helps advise on a variety of topics, including diversity, recruitment, training and discipline.

“Education is an important component of the HPCAC. We hope the community comes out March 14 to better understand common reasons for routine police stops and how to handle the encounter.”
HPCAC Chair Jonathan Rossow

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