2020-2021 R&J Work
Between October 2020 and December 2021, the R&J Task Force delivered programs to hundreds of people across the county to improve relationships between law enforcement and communities of color. Programming included facilitated workshops about interactions between law enforcement and residents and town hall screenings of a documentary about overcoming systemic racism.
The events hosted by the R&J Task Force were rich with stories of personal experiences, honest exchanges from the perspectives of law enforcement and residents, and invaluable learning – all of which informed the Task Force on the next steps in 2022. While the issues between police and communities of color have deep roots and are not easily solved, these events provided a space for challenging conversations and new connections.
There were two main takeaways from the workshops and town halls:
- To have a more trusting relationship between residents and law enforcement, our perceptions of each other must change.
- Residents want a better understanding of law enforcement’s job.
The 13 R&J workshops were held in churches, schools, and community centers in each school district in Chester County. DeVon Jackson, an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, led the workshops, which involved six residents of color and six law enforcement talking about their experiences and relationships.
In addition to the workshops, the R&J Task Force held public town hall viewings – virtually and in-person – of the award-winning documentary film, Walking While Black: L.O.VE. Is The Answer, written and produced by A.J. Ali. Following the movie, The Peace Center of Bucks County, an organization that fosters building peace within communities, held small-group discussions where residents recounted personal experiences. Law enforcement answered questions about hiring procedures and the reasoning behind some of their practices.
All DAO employees were trained on implicit bias, cultural sensitivity, use of force, and de-escalation techniques. DA Ryan said, “Today, the diversity of our staff is more reflective of our community than at any other point in the history of this office. We will continue in our mission to pursue justice equitably and fairly.”
In February 2022, the Task Force shared the findings from programs held between 2020 and 2021:
- The 13 facilitated Race & Justice workshops between community members and law enforcement held in each school district
- The Town Halls where we showed Walking While Black: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer, followed by group discussions.
There were two main takeaways from the workshops and town halls:
- To have a more trusting relationship between residents and law enforcement, our perceptions of each other must change.
- Residents want a better understanding of law enforcement’s job.
Click here to read the complete findings.