The fourth community-police relation summit is being held this weekend in Rochester.
Some of the participants, from the faith community and local police departments, gathered Thursday at the Downtown Presbyterian Church to preview the event.
President of the United Christian Leadership Ministry, the Reverend Lewis Stewart, says this latest summit should build upon the accomplishments of the other three.
He says the goals are to continue to build trust and legitimacy, organize a series of mini-summits to continue to talk about police policies, and have community input into establishing an anti-racism training education and curriculum.
Stewart previewed the event, this time in the company of the Police Chiefs of Irondequoit and Brighton, and the Deputy Chief of Police in the city of Rochester.
The Rev. Stewart says the series of summits won't change systems overnight, but he says it is a forward step in terms of justice and fairness.
Credit Alex Crichton
"I think we've come a long way since 2016. And before 2016, these guys wouldn't even sit in the same room with me, let alone at the same table...(laughs)...but the point is now they are," he said.
Brighton Police Chief Mark Henderson says they have processes in place and they monitor the action of officers and if a complaint is received they thoroughly and properly vet it, and investigate it.
"Our first step in you receiving a phone call is establishing a dialogue, establishing a rapport. And I think we're in a much better place in 2018 than we were in 2016. Would you agree with that, reverend?" Henderson asked. " I agree," Rev. Stewart replied.
The theme of this weekend's summit is developing strategies to improve community police relations -- race justice, policing and safety.
Deputy Mayor Dr. Cedric Alexander will deliver the keynote.
The event runs Saturday from 9:30 to 3:00 at the First Church of God on Clarissa Street.
Irondequoit Police Chief Richard Tantalo says the summits are building relationships:
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