AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/police/)
Churches, community groups and law enforcement need to focus on collaboration and increasing participation at various events, West Siders said at a meeting held last week at the 15th District Police station.
During the 29th Ward’s monthly community meeting, residents questioned whether the newly formed Civilian Office of Police Accountability is truly independent, and some expressed reluctance to file complaints, saying they fear harassment.
A day before the third anniversary of teenager Laquan McDonald being shot to death by a Chicago cop, members of the Central Austin Neighborhood Association and activists from Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR) demanded changes of the city’s top law-enforcement officials.
State Rep. Camille Lilly and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx are hosting the Aug. 5 event from 10 a.m. to noon at the Austin Public Library, 5615 West Race. They will lead a discussion on gun violence and policing.
The 25th District invites West Siders to National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at 5555 W. Grand Avenue. The annual event promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, better places to live.
Commanders from the 11th, 15th and 25th districts will be meeting with all stakeholders 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at 4540 W. Washington Blvd. All are welcome.
Ald. Chris Taliaferro will host 15th Police District Commander Dwayne Betts Jan. 4th at Columbus Park Refectory.
The U.S. Department of Justice will hold another public form Oct. 24th as part of its ongoing investigation of the Chicago Police Department.
The civil rights group and 29th Ward Ald. Chris Taliaferro say a vote should not be rushed on the proposal to replace the troubled disciplinary body.
West Sides also complained of disrespect at last week’s public hearing. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago City Council are trying to decide how to replace the Independent Police Review Authority.