CMPD chief promises changes to strengthen ties between community, officers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are changes on the way to strengthen the relationship between the community and police officers in Charlotte.

Charlotte’s police chief addressed questions about police shootings and the community’s response when he took questions at a church in uptown Charlotte Wednesday evening.

The forum, coordinated by Charlotte’s NAACP at Little Rock AME Zion Church, began at 6 p.m.

There were so many people that showed up, they had to be moved to the sanctuary to avoid a fire violation inside the church

Police Chief Kerr Putney and other Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers expected to address what could be some tough questions from the community.

Hundreds gathered Wednesday night for the forum following the deadly police ambush in Dallas and the recent deadly police shootings across the country.

Putney promised that in the next 90 days, Charlotteans can expect to see more police officers introducing themselves in the community.

In a group of more than 800 people, the conversation was emotional at times, and Putney recognized that the problem in front of them is a racial one around black lives.

One Charlotte family impacted by past violence talked to the group via Skype. The mother and brother of Jonathan Ferrell spoke.

In 2013, Ferrell was shot and killed by CMPD officer Randall Kerrick. The case ended in a mistrial.

Corine Mack, the president of the Charlotte NAACP, acknowledged that some positive action did take place at the forum.

“There are no correct answers, but at least now there is a dialogue going on that had not gone on before,” she said.

Many people asked questions and expressed concern over police policy, training and trust. Putney said a special academy will be held for those who want to learn more.

Thursday events

Church leaders in Gastonia will hold a community prayer vigil to honor the two men killed last week in officer-involved shootings, as well as the five Dallas police officers.

It is part of an effort to try to repair the relationship between local police and the community.

Last week, ministers met with police chiefs in Gaston County to discuss concerns from their congregations to make sure issues are being addressed and police are involved in their communities.

The group said they will continue pressing police for interaction.

The ministers said their efforts will not work unless they can convince people in the community to work together to find a solution. They hope Thursday's vigil will be a key step in achieving that goal.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at Mount Zion Restoration Church in Gastonia.

Also happening Thursday night, in Charlotte, a local organization will hold a discussion in University City focusing on the community's role in the development of young African-American men.

The Young Black Male Leadership Alliance is hosting a panel discussion at the UNC Charlotte Cone Center.

It runs from 6:30 p.n. until 9 p.m.

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