Dallas Police Oversight Holds Talks to Discuss Victims of Police Violence

The city of Dallas is hosting several events this week to bridge the gap between the police and the community.

On Thursday at the Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center in Oak Cliff, several people met at a table for important and difficult conversations.

It was called “Public Healing Night” and was hosted by the Dallas Office of Community Police Oversight, along with council member Casey Thomas, the Dallas Association of Black Police Officers, and other organizations.

Dallas Police Monitor Tonya McClary says the event was intended to honor victims of police violence and create a safe space to process trauma.

“We need to get everyone here to try and help us figure out how to move forward,” McClary said.

She said she felt the emotional impact of watching Tri Nichols be beaten by five Memphis police officers in January. Nichols died three days after the beating.

According to Mapping Police Violence, blacks are almost three times more likely to be killed by police than whites in the United States.

“I cried like a black woman, like a black woman,” McClary said. “And I felt hopeless. But evenings like tonight give me more hope.”

Thomas said he wants community members to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.

“You have officers in circles with members of the community, and in those circles they are just people,” Thomas said. “They are just people and they have a chance to talk as equals.”

The meeting came on the heels of another event in Dallas on Thursday, when Police Chief Edie Garcia partnered with former gang member Antong Lucky to thank the families affected by the violence.

“Working with the police, the clergy, community leaders, and with the help of our communities, we will reduce crime and improve the quality of life,” Garcia said.

McClary said that despite doubts and skepticism, she still has hope for change.

“It will take us time,” she said. “This will require us to be methodical and think about how best to positively impact our city.”

Thursday’s meeting was the first of three policing sessions over the next few weeks. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Sunday, February 19 at 6:00 pm at City Hall Plaza. The third event will take place on March 2. The community talk will take place at 6:00 pm at the Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center.

Content Source

Dallas Press News – Latest News:
Dallas Local News || Fort Worth Local News | Texas State News || Crime and Safety News || National news || Business News || Health News

Related Articles

Back to top button