Staff reports
Bartholomew Circuit Court Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative and Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County, are offering a free information session designed to increase understanding between the community and law enforcement.
“Improving Police and Community Relations” is planned from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at The Commons in downtown Columbus. The focus will be on effective relations between the community and police so that citizens may learn about their roles in crime prevention and what to expect from law enforcement, while officers may better understand the community they serve and apply approaches to better address peace and order concerns.
The session will be led by Indiana State Police Capt. Ruben Marte, a 29-year veteran of the state police, currently assigned to its legal office.
The free event is open to community members age 13 and older, and social distancing and face masks will be required. Due to pandemic guidelines, in-person participation is limited.
Advance registration is required by contacting Bobbie Shake, Bartholomew Circuit Court Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative coordinator/Juvenile Court assistant, at [email protected].
Marte has trained hundreds of law enforcement officers and civilians about cultural awareness, law enforcement interaction and other topics. He is a commissioner on Hispanic and Latino Affairs for the city of Bloomington and is a member of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Merit Board.
“Given the tension across the country between law enforcement and individuals, particularly individuals of color, this program seems tailor-made to help our community build important relationships that will help us acknowledge and void the issues faced by so many other communities,” said Tracy Souza, Heritage Fund president and CEO.
For more on this story, see Monday’s Republic.
