Local officers will take part in NAACP police forum

Several St. Mary area lead law enforcement officials have confirmed they’ll participate in the NAACP Law Enforcement Forum at 7 p.m. today at the Patterson Civic Center.

The theme of the forum is Bridging the Gap. The purpose is to inform the general public about rights, responsibilities and law enforcement procedures. And the goal is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities throughout the parish.

“Oftentimes, we have issues and as citizens, we feel that our issues aren’t being heard,” said St. Mary NAACP President Reginald Weary.

“And I’m sure that as officers, they feel their profession is viewed very negatively in certain issues.

“So the purpose of the forum is to educate the community on what their rights are but also to try and proactively strengthen the bond between the communities and police departments as it relates to St. Mary Parish.”

Hosting a forum of this nature has been in the works for over a year.

The forum becomes a reality at a time when officer-involved shootings and the killing of officers have shocked the nation.

Here’s what law enforcement officials had to say on attending the forum:

“Anything we can do to promote communication between the public we serve and the departments is a benefit to everyone,” said Morgan City Police Chief James Blair. “And we will do whatever we can to facilitate that, we’re willing to do that.”

“Ultimately, I’m responsible for the actions of those officers,” said Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle. “And if you can’t publicly meet with the public, the people you’re serving, you shouldn’t be in the position.”

“If those in our community feel they want to put such an event together, then I think it’s important because I represent all the people,” said Berwick Police Chief James Richard.

“And if they feel a need that I should attend, I feel obligated to attend to show my support for whatever their cause. It’s an obligation if you work for the public to be there,” Richard said.

“We have a good relationship with the people of our parish,” said St. Mary Sheriff Mark Hebert. “We always want to continue to build upon those relationships and strengthen those connections. The forum is another opportunity to communicate and I'm looking forward to it.”

“We think it’s important because it gives us a chance to tell our side of the story and explain the procedures involved in police work,” said Franklin Mayor Raymond Harris on behalf of Chief Sabria McGuire.

Baldwin Police Chief Harry Smith Jr. offered a perspective based on a collaborative approach.

Learning different approaches or programs other chiefs have implemented in communities that bring awareness and strengthen community relations could be beneficial to chiefs.

“I can bring on ideas with other chiefs,” Smith said, “and see what other ideas they can give me to bring the community together.”

While some of the issues might be touchy or uncomfortable, citizens who have concerns should be in attendance.

“We have citizens who have issues with the police,” Weary said. “But rather than come out and figure out what’s real or what’s fake, they’d rather hold on to the negative vibe that they have towards them.

“Those are the citizens that we would love to have there. And to get them to understand, No. 1 that the police should be there to protect and serve, they should have our best interest at heart.

“But what we want them (officers) to know in the event that we feel we aren’t being dealt with properly, at this forum, hopefully, we can educate those persons on what to do in that event.

“Don’t just sit back and allow your negative vibe toward the police to build. Figure out what the steps are to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Weary expects to have an open and honest dialogue with the officers. His hope is things will get to a point where the community trusts officers, trust them to have their best interests, trust them not to handle them negatively, and trust them to just protect and serve.

Law enforcement officials want to see better community relations established as a result of the forum, especially the communication factor.

“Really, no expectations at this point, but to develop a communication and be face to face with some of the leaders of the community,” Blair said. “That’s what I hope to get out of it, to draw out personal relationships between everyone.”

“My prayers are for a positive relationship with those that are concerned so I can better serve them,” LaSalle said.

“The ultimate goal is to better understand … what the issues are, what the problem is, and maybe if there are things I can do personally or as the chief, to help correct the problem and to work toward that direction,” Richard said.

“I think it’s an obligation that as a person in my position should want to make sure we work toward a resolution of sorts that help them out, but of course everything is based on what’s correct and right.”

“There’s much work that needs to be done throughout the parish,” Weary said. “This is just the beginning.

“The only way to address or solve problems is to come up with those solutions together, that way you have buy-in from both sides.”

The NAACP St. Mary Chapter will be collecting clothing and food items at the forum to donate to families and children that suffered loss due to the flood.