A local (Chester County) video, “How Do We Take Steps to Keep What Happened in Ferguson, MO, from Happening in Our Own Backyard”, has been posted to the web.

The recording was made during a Building Bridges community forum hosted by St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester last month and appears at www.3ctvlive.com/building_bridges_forum_8_27_14.cfm.

Dozens of community residents heard from West Chester Police Chief Scott Bohn, Coatesville Police Chief John Laufer and West Goshen Township Community Relations Officer, Michael Cotter as they answered questions such as:

• How should we, as citizens, respond when questioned while driving or walking by law enforcement officers and what is the normal procedure?

• What are our rights as citizens?

• What questions can we ask and what answers can we challenge civilly?

• How can we dismantle the fears that some, particularly African American males, might have when approached by law enforcement officers?

• Do your police departments have ongoing sensitivity training?

• We are hearing that law enforcement officers are trained to shoot to kill. Can you speak to this matter?

• How can we as citizens build better bridges with law enforcement officers?

The chiefs said that law enforcement officers have similar apprehensions as those experienced by common citizens to being stopped by police.

Officers indicated that similar forums should take place throughout the county to aid in better communication between law enforcement and the public. (SOURCE: E-Update, Transformation Initiative)