2 native police chiefs, civil rights leaders talk about ‘bridging the hole’ between law enforcement and group

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) – Bridging the law enforcement-community gap – that was the focus of a virtual public discussion on Saturday between two local police chiefs and civil rights leaders.

Topics for discussion included community policing and how to prevent racial prejudice from affecting how officers interact with citizens.

“We have to go beyond words and words on paper and get it to practice. One way we can use our own communities to help resolve it. That is the true definition of community policing. The community and the police are coming together to create a better environment, ”said Dr. Robert K. Perkins, Professor of Sociology at the NSU.

Virginia Beach Police Department chief Paul Neudigate says being transparent with the community over the department’s reports and data will help fill that void.

“One of the things we can do is public scrutiny of our data. The data we collect belongs to the community. In the past, we probably haven’t documented well enough who we’re stopping and under what circumstances. “

Gaylene Kanoyton, vice president of NAACP Region 1 at the Virginia State Conference, said, “Until we diversify the police force, these issues can be addressed. You will not be addressed until then. “

Norfolk Police Chief Larry Boone says it’s important to hire the right people for the position.

“We have to hire the right people. All the training in the world isn’t going to stop you from being who you are. “

The group 200+ men Inc. hosted the virtual discussion.